Summer Safety Tips

• Never leave a pet unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars quickly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window slightly open.  
• When taking a dog for a walk on a hot day, plan for shorter walks midday, when temperatures peak, and longer walks in the morning and evening when it's cooler. Hot sidewalks can burn the pads on a dog's paws, so walk on the grass when possible.
• Always ensure that your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water available

• If your pet has a lot of fur, make them more comfortable by having them shaved down for the summer
• Never leave a dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in countless insect bites, dehydration and heat stroke. Even short-term unattended tethering can pose risks such as theft or attacks by people or animals. Bring them inside to cool off in the air conditioning
• Protect your pet from sunburn.  If your dog has a light nose or fur, apply sunscreen to the unprotected areas of their skin.
• Be sure to keep pets up-to-date on their vaccinations and preventative medications. Fleas and ticks stay busy in warm weather and summer is also the prime time for heartworms. Check with a veterinarian about the best way to keep pets healthy.
• Keep cats indoors to keep them safe. Cars, other pets and wild animals can all pose risks to cats' safety. By providing playtime, cat trees and other enrichment, a cat will be happy and content to stay indoors.
• Beware of cocoa mulch and other gardening products. Cocoa mulch can be deadly if ingested and has an appetizing scent to some animals. Pesticides, fertilizers and other harsh chemicals can also be quickly fatal if ingested.
• When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Special seatbelts and secured carriers can protect pets during accidents and prevent them from distracting the driver. The back of a pick-up truck is never a safe place for a pet to ride.

•  Pet rabbits should be kept indoors because they don't tolerate heat well. Keeping a rabbit indoors will also provide protection from predators who might try to attack a rabbit in an outdoor hutch.
•  Be mindful of pets around our wild neighbors. When going for walks or playing in a fenced yard, don't allow pets to harass birds, rabbits, squirrels or other wild animals.