20220531-041921Keep-Your-Pet-Safe-This-Summer-with-These-Recommendations-from-a-Vet-in-Pacific-Beach

With the summer season coming up fast, now is an outstanding time for barbecues, picnics, beach trips, and hiking excursions. Sadly, warm summer days and pets don’t always mix. When the mercury climbs this summer, you will need to know how to keep your four-legged best friend safe. At ABC Veterinary Hospital Pacific Beach, we want your pet to enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer. Check out these tips from a veterinarian in Pacific Beach.

Leave Pets at Home

Your pet may love taking rides with you, but you should not leave them sitting in your car in warm weather. Home is the safest place for them. It only takes around 30 minutes for the inside of a car to climb to 120° when the outside temperature is 85°. Leaving the windows cracked or parking in a shady area won’t alleviate the issue. And leaving the car running with the air conditioner on full blast isn’t a solution, either. Even new cars can have mechanical problems, and it’s possible for unattended pets to inadvertently switch off the air conditioner or even bump the car out of park. Leaving a pet alone in a car is unsafe and can turn deadly in an instant. No matter how much your pet likes going with you, it just isn’t worth the risk.

Keep Them Hydrated

Dogs and cats should always have unrestricted access to clean water. This is especially important during hot weather, though, because of the increased risk of dehydration. Like people, animals need to stay well-hydrated during hot weather. Ensure that their water dish at home is always full of fresh water. Bring along a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl when walking your dog, too.

Protect Your Pal’s Paws From Hot Pavement

Pavement gets hot fast during the summer and can cause serious burns to your pet’s paw pads. Black asphalt is the worst offender and can be up to 60° warmer than the current air temperature. In these situations, serious burns can occur within just a minute. When possible, it is safest to walk your dog on the much-cooler grass during warm weather. When you must walk on a paved surface, test the temperature with your hand first. If it is too warm to hold your hand on it for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet to walk on. Purchasing a pair of booties is a great way to protect your pet’s paws when walking on hot pavement is a must.

Schedule an Appointment with a Vet in Pacific Beach for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and heartworm are most common during the summer months. Scheduling an appointment with a vet in Pacific Beach is the safest and most effective means of keeping your pet up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

If your furry friend needs a vet in Pacific Beach, we’d love to lend a hand. Reach out to us now to schedule your furry family member’s appointment at ABC Veterinary Hospital Pacific Beach.