Your Ultimate Summer Pet Safety Home and Garden Checklist

For many of us, summer is largely spent enjoying our very own backyards. The same can probably be said for our pets, who are usually happy to spend time outdoors with their favorite humans. Planning for enjoyment is important, but keeping our pets’ outdoor needs in mind is crucial for their safety and well-being.

Whether you’re planning on lots of backyard parties, or simply relaxing in the hammock with a beverage in hand, follow these summer pet safety tips.

The Pet Friendly Yard

Summer pet safety becomes more important as the temperatures and humidity soar. Fortunately, it’s easy to create a gorgeous backyard that both pets and people can use and enjoy. Here are a few tips to consider when it comes to being outside with your pet:

• Safety – Take a quick look around and make any necessary repairs to fencing to prevent accidental escapes. Be sure to tidy up debris piles and trim brush and long grasses, as these make excellent hiding spots for fleas and ticks.
  
• Water, please – Make sure your pet has access to fresh water at all times while outdoors. Place water bowls in the shade and add chunks of ice to keep the water cool. A kiddie pool or sprinkler is a fun way to keep pets cool when the temperature climbs.
• Shade and shelter – Being in the sun for too long can put pets at risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Make sure there are nooks and crannies where your pet can find relief from the sun. Large trees, strategically placed vegetation, a lattice or solid wooden overhang, umbrellas, or even a beautiful, wooden dog house make wonderful, attractive spots for resting.

A Friend to All

Your pet isn’t the only one who could benefit from your efforts at creating a backyard oasis. The heat of summer is a dangerous time for urban wildlife and stray animals, who may have difficulty finding a safe and shady spot to rest, or locating enough water to stay hydrated. You can help the animals in your area by providing fresh water (a birdbath for tree dwelling creatures and light colored bowls for strays), and shelter in the form of a comfortable, shaded area or dog/cathouse that your pets aren’t able to access.

Summer Pet Safety

Keeping your pet safe is an important part of a successful summer. If your pet is showing signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, pale or bright red gums, lethargy, or vomiting, bring them indoors to the air conditioning, or place them in front of a fan in a shaded area, and call us right away for further instruction.

Please let the team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates know if there is anything we can do to make it easier, including a summer wellness check, or a refill on your pet’s parasite preventives. We are here for your pet!