Ten Tips to Keep Pets Cool, Healthy and Happy this Summer

After months of lockdowns and boredom it’s going to be a super busy Summer season for Seattle pets and their pet parents clamoring for active and socially distanced outdoor fun. There’s also lots of new first-time owners who adopted during the pandemic.

For all pet parents here are ten top tips to keep pets cool, healthy, happy and safe this summer, says Cara Veterinary president Dr. Peter Brown, DVM. Cara Veterinary operates two facilities in Seattle and one each in Kirkland and Bremerton:

1.NEVER Leave Pets in a Car!
Avoid leaving pets in parked cars, which in direct sunlight can easily get over 100 degrees. It takes dogs and cats less than 10 minutes to develop heat stroke. The best rule of thumbꟷdo not leave them in the car. Bonus: if you see a pet stranded in a car under dangerous conditions take immediate action to find the owner/then call the police

2.Common Sense Walking
Walk and exercise early morning and late evening. Avoid the middle of the day. Take breaks in the shade and have always water available. Pets heat and cool from the bottom up, so avoid hot surfaces like cement and asphalt. The back of a truck has hot metal and can quickly burn a paw. Doggie boots are a great option! Bonus: bring a water bottle when going outside

3.Pet Sunscreen
Pets get sunburns too, particularly if they have a short or light hair coat. Skin cancer is also a risk. Apply sunscreens every 3-4 hours to the least hair-covered spots: bellies, ears, and nose. Bonus: use only sunscreens made specifically for pets

4.Breed Matters
Be extremely mindful if you have a Brachycephalic (short head and snout) breed such as Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese that cannot pant very well and therefore don’t cool off as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Bonus: Exercise and heat are bad combinations for these breeds and can lead to very serious health concerns

5.Overheating/Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be fatal when a dog has prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Signs your dog may have heatstroke include: heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, difficulty maintaining balance, white or blue gums, lethargy, unwillingness to move, labored, noisy breathing, vomiting/diarrhea, and shock. If signs appear, immediately move to the shade, spray down with cool or tepid water. Monitor temperature regularly until it stabilizes at between 100-to-102 degrees. Bonus: severely affected dogs require fluids, medication, support, and oxygen at a veterinary hospital

6.Water Activities
Not all dogs swim well, and if they do, some might not know how to get out of the pool or lake. Be aware of strong currents and riptides. Never force your dog into the water! Bonus: if sailing or boating with pets give them a life vest in a bright color to stay visible and afloat in case of an accident

7.The Beach
Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish. Running on wet sand can cause paw pads blisters. Don’t let your dog drink seawater as the salt will make him sick. Rinse him off at the end of the day-salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog’s coat. Bonus: check local ordinances before heading out. Not all beaches allow dogs, and some restrict the time they can be there. Please clean up after your dog!

8.Parasite Protection
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites flourish during summer. Worse, they can transfer tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme or Anaplasmosis. Prescription drugs from your vet will keep pets pest-free. Bonus: outside means more contact with other animals. Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized, and away from toxic plants and flowers

9.Summer Coat
A dog’s coat is naturally designed to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter. Trim, but never shave! Bonus: leave at least a full inch of hair to protect skin from sunburns

10.Fireworks a Big No-No!
Loud fireworks cause extreme stress for pets who may get scared and run away. Keep pets indoors, preferably in a quiet area of your home. Bonus: for some breeds consider pre-dosing with a prescription anxiety medication a few hours before celebrations begin. Speak with your veterinarian about safe and effective medications