Safety During the Terre Haute Summer

Summers in Terre Haute are typically lovely, warm, and sunny. However, a pleasant 80-degree day in the sun for us can be potentially dangerous for your pet! Additionally, pests are out in force, and severe weather can cause anxiety and even physical harm. Learn more about how you can keep your pet safe during this summer season.

The Unfortunate Thing About Fur in Summer

Your pet’s coat is a fantastic insulator against the cold, and it also helps protect your pet from sunburn! Unfortunately, it also causes them to easily overheat on days that feel pleasant to us. Your pet therefore needs extra care to keep them cool in the summer sun. Here are some heat safety tips:

When your pet is outdoors on a hot day, make sure they have plenty of cool, fresh water as well as patches of shade to lie down and rest in.
If your pet’s coat is thick and long, consider getting it cut—but not shaved! A one-inch coat still helps protect against the sun, while also helping your pet to stay cooler.
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. The heat index can rise rapidly, even with the windows open, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke and even death. It’s not worth the risk!
Keep in mind that flat-faced breeds such as Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs all have an airway obstruction condition that makes breathing more difficult than other breeds. This can play a role in facilitating heatstroke as their ability to expel heat through their shortened airways is greatly reduced.
When taking your pet for a walk, be sure to do it earlier in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the heat of the day.
Even birds, who can often handle heat better than mammals can suffer if their enclosure is in a place with too much sunlight and too little ventilation. Make sure their cage is in a place that receives temporary sunlight and has plenty of air flow.

Pests and Their Prevention

Just as we all come out to enjoy the summer heat, so do insects and other pests! Your pet’s pest prevention should always be up-to-date, but during the summer, this is particularly important. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitos (which can transmit heartworms), are all out in abundance, so be sure to not only give your pet the necessary prevention but check their skin and fur for hidden critters when they come inside.

Keep Vaccines Up-to-Date

Dogs (and outdoor cats) are more at risk for infection during the summer thanks to the proliferation of parasites (especially ticks), the presence of wildlife, and other pets spending more time outside. Going into the summer season, make sure your dog or cat has received all their necessary vaccinations within the year. For dogs, we often recommend the Lyme vaccine to prevent Lyme disease, which is transmitted by certain species of tick. If you think your pet may need additional vaccines for their protection, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Sticking it Out Through the Storm

Summer thunderstorms are relatively common and can cause a lot of anxiety and stress to your noise averse pet! Be sure to always bring them inside well before a storm hits. Additionally, do your best to keep them calm with a gentle tone of voice. If needed, anxiety medications can be administered for those with acute stress. Also keep in mind that tornadoes do happen on occasion, so being able to bring your pet with you to your home’s shelter keeps them safe. Make sure your pet is familiar with the area beforehand and clear it of all potential hazards.

For further questions or concerns about pet safety, contact our animal hospital today at (812) 645-0715.