While Seattle is known for mild summer weather, it can still get hot, and that can be stressful for your pets. Whether you are the proud pet parent of a dog, cat, rabbit, or reptile, you should be aware of common summer health hazards for pets and take steps to keep your pet safe. Here are our summer safety tips from Emerald City Emergency Clinic.
Keep Your Pet Cool and Hydrated
Many Seattle residents do not have air conditioning, which can mean that temperatures inside the home get a little too warm for your pets. Rabbits, senior cats and dogs, and reptiles are the most vulnerable when it comes to overheating. So, be sure that your pet has access to well-ventilated areas and that you use fans to cool down your home during the day.
You should also ensure that your pet is hydrated. Be sure to provide plenty of clean, fresh water. You may need to put out a few different water bowls around your house and yard so that your pet can easily get a drink. If your pet doesn’t readily drink water, consider a pet water fountain to keep water circulating in their bowl. Many pets also enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, which can also be hydrating. Rabbits, dogs, and herbivorous reptiles can enjoy leafy greens, cucumber slices, ripe tomatoes, and apple slices. Cats may also enjoy fruits and veggies, but they should only be given in small quantities.
Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness
If your pet becomes overheated, they may suffer from heatstroke, which is a medical emergency that should be treated at an emergency veterinary clinic. Signs of heatstroke in pets include:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Seizures
- Excess drooling
- Darkening of skin (in reptiles)
- Hot or red ears (in rabbits)
If you notice any of the symptoms above, get your pet indoors or to a shaded, cool area. Reptiles may be misted with lukewarm water, and cats, dogs, and small mammals may be cooled off by wetting their paws and ears. You should also seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your pet cools down, they may suffer from damage to the heart, kidneys and circulatory system that should be assessed right away.
Supervise Pets Outdoors
If you enjoy time outdoors with your pet during the summer, keep a close eye on them as they roam around the backyard and local parks. Many types of plants are toxic to pets if ingested, so do not leave your pet unsupervised outside. Consider always keeping your cat indoors and use an enclosed rabbit hutch for small mammals that spend time outdoors.
With the right precautions, you can keep your pet safe and healthy all summer long. However, extreme heat, excessive physical activity, or accidental ingestion of toxic plants may have your pet needing emergency care At Emerald City Emergency Clinic, we offer 24/7 emergency pet care and pet veterinary services in Seattle, WA. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also call us to let us know you and your pet are on the way.
