Test the surface temperature of the sidewalk, asphalt or parking lot with the back of your hand; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Joslin suggests walking your dog during cooler times of the day, sticking with grassy areas and considering protective booties to help prevent paw burns.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Soothe seasonal allergies
Pets, like people, can suffer with seasonal allergies. Certain breeds, including boxers, Boston terriers, Lhasa Apsos and golden retrievers, are more prone to allergies, but all breeds can suffer with environmental allergies, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Coronado notes that excessive licking and scratching are often the first signs that your pet is experiencing allergies. Your vet can recommend possible treatments to help alleviate symptoms.
You should make an appointment with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for seasonal allergies, but Greenstein notes that regular baths or using pet wipes on coats and paws can reduce the allergens on their fur.
“Many veterinary dermatologists recommend frequent vacuuming and the use of HEPA filters [to reduce allergens] in your home,” she adds.
Getty Images/RooM RF
Watch water safety reports
Taking a dip in a lake or river is a favorite summer pastime for some dogs, but not all water is safe. An overgrowth of algal blooms in lakes, ponds or other freshwater can cause blue-green algae poisoning in pets. Dogs that swim in or drink water that contains these cyanotoxins can experience vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, muscle tremors, seizures and even sudden death.
“Blue-green algae is a very toxic product that does bloom during warm periods, and you don’t always know that it’s there,” Coronado says.
He suggests checking with local water reports (most municipalities publish them online) for information on the presence of blue-green algae before letting your dog swim or drink from local waterways. Kiddie pools, sprinklers and pet splash pads are the safest options for your water-loving dogs to cool off in the summer.
Keep a close watch on your pets at the beach
“Dogs can be knocked over or dragged under by ocean waves and currents,” says Joslin.
The AKC says to consider putting a life jacket on your dog when spending time at the beach, or on docks or boats. And make sure that your dog is drinking lots of freshwater (not saltwater) and not eating seaweed, sea creatures or other items that have washed ashore.
Warmer weather offers a lot of opportunities to explore the outdoors with your pet, and knowing how to keep them safe is the key to enjoying the spring and summer seasons.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
