**** Via BC SPCA
Tips for summer pet safety
- Beware hot pavement: If you regularly jog or bike with your dog, be conscious of when you’re doing it. If it’s a hot day, the pavement can get dangerously hot for your pet’s feet.
- Exercise with caution: Choose to exercise with your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler, reducing the chances of your pet getting heatstroke.
- Be prepared: When hiking, camping or going to the beach, make sure you bring along a water bowl and water for your pet as well as an umbrella for shade. Towels can be used to dry off your pet and to give them an option of a place to lie down that’s not scorching hot.
- Offer cool treats: Freeze your pet’s favourite food or treat in a Kong. Invest in a kiddie pool for your pup and fill it with cool water for your furry friend to enjoy and play in. Learn about other ways to cool your pet down.
Closely monitoring your pet is key to a successful summer outing. “Make sure they really are having a good time outside and are able to get out of the sun,” Monteith says. She also reminds guardians to
never leave a pet in a hot car, even if it’s in the shade with the windows rolled down and only for a few minutes, because a few minutes is all it takes for pets to suffer heatstroke or worse.
Leaving them at home where it’s cooler can be best.
