The happiness, health, and safety of your pets is a priority at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.
Anyone who has been to our facility for grooming, doggie daycare, or pet boarding understands how much we love your pets as well as our own.
As the summer approaches, we thought it would be a doggone good idea to provide you with Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy, Healthy, and Safe.
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Car
No matter how quick you think your errand is going to be and how much you and your pet love going for drives in the car, never leave your pet unattended in a car.
The temperature outside is no indication of the temperature that quickly rises in a car. The temperature inside of a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees even if windows are cracked.
While we know how much fun it is for both our pets and us to spend time together, when it’s hot outside, please leave your pets at home!
Time Your Walks for Cooler Weather
Take walks in the early am or evening when it is cooler. Dog paw pads are sensitive to hot asphalt and can burn.
Also, dogs who exercise in the hot sun can suffer from heat stroke, which can be debilitating and deadly.
Older dogs, those that are overweight, and breeds with flat noses are particularly susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs with heart and lung issues should be monitored carefully.
Possible signs of heat stroke in dogs include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Abnormal breathing
- Vomiting
- Collapsing or weakness on feet
- Bloody diarrhea
- Seizure
- Bright red gums
If your dog is acting abnormally, especially in the heat, please contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital immediately.
Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather
With temperatures outside rising during the summer, it’s imperative that your pet has adequate conditions to keep them cool.
Basic necessities such as shade, cool water, escape from the elements, and air conditioning will keep your pets safe, happy, comfortable, and thriving.
If you need to leave your dog outside for any length of time in hot weather, give it fresh, cold water, and a way to escape from the sun.
Add fans or turn on the air conditioner when inside the home.
Long-haired animals are especially susceptible to heat even in the 70’s, so it’s very important to take precautions to keep their temperature down.
Dogs pant to cool themselves, as they are unable to perspire as humans do.
So, consider what your needs are to make yourself comfortable and offer the same to your pet, especially as the Tri-Valley is set to experience a heat wave.
Be Careful Around Swimming Pools
If you have a water dog, you will probably not be able to keep him out of the water. But some dogs can’t swim or tire easily and can actually drown.
Make sure your pet is supervised during any water activity.
Have a Safe and Happy Summer
The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy summer.
We hope our summer tips will provide you the best protection to keep your pets around for a long time.
