It’s the beginning of July and that means you’re likely enjoying these warm summer days and looking forward to fireworks this week! While we hope you have a great holiday, we want to remind you of a few pet safety tips to keep in mind so both you and your 4-legged pals can enjoy the summer fun and this Fourth of July weekend.
With the high temperatures of summer, it’s important to be mindful of your furry friends. You may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car! To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you’re on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control at 859-255-9033.
Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they’re enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool. Avoid leaving your pets outside for long periods of time, if possible.
Though we all love fireworks it can be very stressful for your pets. Take some time this week before the festivities begin to ensure both you and your pets are prepared. It’s important to have your pet properly identified. If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, without proper identification it will be that much harder to get them back. Consider fitting your pet with microchip identification, ID tags with their name and your phone number, or both. It is also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pets in case you have to put up signs. Our partner organization, Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control, offers low-cost microchipping services for just $15.
Never use fireworks around pets. While lit fireworks can pose a danger to curious pets and potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals. It’s best to keep your pet indoors at all times. It may seem obvious, but even if your pet is used to being outside, the resulting panic caused by fireworks or other loud noises may make them break their restraint or jump a fence in a terrified attempt to find safety.
We hope both you and your pets have a wonderful and safe July! For more tips and information, click here for the petMD Top 10 Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips or click here for additional Summer Safety Tips!
