Have a Happy and Healthy Pet With These 5 Lessons

Recent studies showed that over 65% of Americans have a household pet. And if you’re one of them, there are a few things you need to know about keeping your animals safe.

Read on for our top 5 important lessons for having a healthy pet during the summer.

1. Never Leave Your Pets in the Car During the Summer

Regardless of how short your excursion, you should never leave a pet in a warm car. Even if the windows are rolled down, there’s not enough airflow through a stagnant car to keep your pet from quickly overheating.

It only takes a few minutes for an unattended vehicle to turn into an oven. Pets can easily experience heat stroke and become ill or die.

When it comes to pets and cars, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

2. The Key to a Healthy Pet is Excercise

We all know that pets need physical activity and exercise to stay healthy and strong. If you have a pet that requires outside exercise, you also need to consider the time of day that’s best for them.

In warm climates, summer exercise should happen only in the mornings and evenings to avoid overheating in the mid-day heat. Short snouted dogs have a lowered capacity to use panting to cool their bodies, so their owners should be especially vigilant about their temperature during the hot months.

3. Help Your Pet Manage Anxiety and Stress

Though it might sound funny to consider your pet’s mental health, they experience a wide range of emotions, just like humans do. That includes happiness, excitement, and peace, as well as fear, anxiety, and nervousness.

When it comes to keeping your pets healthy, you need to consider their mental health as well. Common 4th of July sounds like fireworks, loud music, and sirens can cause severe stress to many animals.

If you can’t avoid these stimulants then consider using a CBD product to help improve your pet’s health and keep them calm while you or those around you celebrate this summer.

4. Know the Signs for Heat Stroke

Dogs and cats can both suffer from fatal heat stroke if they’re exposed to the sun for too long.

Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Excessive panting or rapid breathing
Excessive drooling
White or blue gums and mouth
Lethargy
Difficulty staying upright

If you notice one or several of these signs move your pet immediately to a shaded area and if possible spray them with cool water. If they are unable to drink water, you may need to take them to a veterinary hospital to receive IV fluids.

5. Things to Know About Water Play

Water play is a great idea for keeping your pets active and cool during the summer months. But keep in mind a few things before you go for a swim.

Some pets don’t like being in the water and you should never force them. If they are willing to swim, be aware of currents, large waves, and riptides that could quickly sweep them away.

If pets are swimming in water deeper than their standing height they should always swim with a brightly colored life jacket.