Summer may mean vacations and fun for the family, but it also means time to pay special attention to your pets. 
Wearing a fur coat in the winter is great, but not so much in the summer.
Here are some safety tips for you and your pets as the weather heats up.
Sun block
Yes, sun block. Pets can get sunburned. Cover dogs’ bellies, especially if they like to lie on their backs. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs and No. 2 in cats. Epi Pet is a sun block specially designed for dogs and cats.
Stay cool
Walk your pets in the morning or evening. Don’t walk during the heat of the day. Short-snouted breeds like bulldogs are especially susceptible to overheating. Make sure there is always an area where your pet can get out of the heat and cool off.
Life jackets
If you are headed to the water, get a life jacket for your dog. Dogs can swim, but not all of them like it. At the beach dogs can get caught in a riptide and be swept out to sea. In a river, they can be pulled downstream. Always keep an eye on your pooch when near the water.
A little advice…it is best to leave the cats at home or in a boarding facility if you’re going to the water. We are sure you already knew that though!
Beat bugs
Humans are worried about the Zika virus, but dogs have suffered from heartworms for centuries. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworms can kill pets. Regular treatment keeps them at bay. Fight off ticks and fleas too with a veterinarian-approved spray and other treatments.
Watch for stress. Some signs of heat exhaustion are:
• Really heavy panting
• Thick drool
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Wobbling
If you think your pet is overheated, move him to a cool place and put a damp towel on him. Do not put the animal in ice cold water as this can cause shock.
If you need more advice for helping your pet get through the hot weather, just contact us. If you are having an after-hours emergency, contact Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals.
