Summer Pet Safety Advice from a Veterinarian in Richmond

With summer well underway, now is an excellent opportunity to enjoy time with loved ones. Sadly, warm summer days and pets do not always mix. When the mercury climbs, it is important to understand how to keep your fur baby out of harm's way. At Embrace Veterinary Care, we do not want to witness any local pets dealing with heat-related illnesses or injuries this summer. In this blog post, a veterinarian in Richmond discusses a few crucial summer safety tips. Let's go!

Don't Take Your Pet With You

Your pet does not want to sit in a sweltering vehicle while you shop. They would be way more comfortable - and safer - spending the day at home. It only takes around 30 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 120° on an 85° day. Leaving the windows cracked or parking in a shady area does not keep a car significantly cooler. And leaving the vehicle running with the air conditioner on full blast isn’t a solution, either. Your fur baby could bump the controls, or the air conditioner could stop working. Leaving a dog or cat in a car by themself can be deadly. No matter how much your pet likes going with you, it just isn't worth the risk. 

Provide Plenty of Water

Your pet should always have free access to fresh, clean water. This is especially important during warm weather. Like people, animals need more water when it's hot. Make sure their water dish at home is always full of clean water. Bring along a container of water and a collapsible bowl when taking your pet for a walk, too. 

Avoid Hot Pavement

Pavement heats up quickly during the summer months and can cause serious burns to your pet’s paw pads. Black asphalt could be an astonishing 60° warmer than the surrounding air. In these situations, it only takes a moment for serious burns to occur. When possible, it is safest to walk your dog on the grass during warm weather. When you must walk on paved surfaces, use your hand to see how hot it is. If you cannot comfortably hold your hand on it for at least ten seconds, your pet cannot safely walk on it. Consider purchasing a pair of booties to protect your dog's paws when there is no alternative to walking on hot surfaces. 

Visit a Veterinarian in Richmond for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes - which carry heartworm -  are year-round nuisances, but they are most common during warm weather. Making an appointment with a veterinarian in Richmond is the safest and most effective means of keeping your pet up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

If your pet needs a veterinarian in Richmond, we can help. Call Embrace Veterinary Care today to make your pet's appointment.