Sunny summer days are the perfect time for you and your pets to spend outdoors together but while enjoying summer activities, readers need to be aware of potential hazards which can endanger their pets' safety. The Domestic Companion Animal Council offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:
Don't leave your pets in a parked car for even a short time. Every summer animals left in parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke. On a warm day, even with the windows cracked open, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. If you see an animal in a parked car exhibiting signs of heat stress, call your local animal control agency or the police immediately. It is against the law in New Jersey to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle under inhumane conditions.
Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets.
Take extra care when walking or exercising with your pets when it is hot. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pets' paws.
Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets to give them the opportunity to keep cool.
Make sure your pet always wears a collar and identification tag. If you get separated from your pet while enjoying summer activities, an identification tag is your pet's ticket home. For extra protection, have your pets microchipped so they will have permanent, non-removable identification.
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. Be aware that plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Pets can be exposed to these chemicals when they lick their paws after walking on treated ground.
The members of the Domestic Companion Animal Council hope you and your pets have a wonderful safe summer.
Sincerely,
Nina Austenberg
Chair, Domestic Companion Animal Council
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