Top 5 Summer Pet Tips + Save 10%

Most of us enjoy being more active in the summer, including many of our pets! Though summer is fun, it comes with its own set of hazards. There is nothing better than a little common sense and preparedness to prevent illness and injuries for our pets. Here are our Top 5 Summer pet tips for a safe and enjoyable summer:

1. Parasite Prevention- Keeping your pet free of parasites requires a planned approach on your part. With a little help from effective preventives you can avoid nuisance pests in your home, lawn, and on your dog or cat. These pests are not only a nuisance, they can carry tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme and West Nile virus. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are a year-round problem where the weather is the warm, but in the summer they’re practically everywhere.  Prevent an outbreak early this summer with 10% OFF at wondercide.com

2. Avoid Excessive Heat & Sun- It’s HOT out there! Did you know dogs can’t sweat? They control their body temperature by panting.  Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water (try adding ice, they love it), shade from the sun, and never leave them in a parked car with the windows cracked even for a few minutes. This is DANGEROUS in warm temperatures.  Your pets may also need a little sunscreen where the fur is thin and the skin is white or pink. Talk to your vet about best brands and practices.

3. Beware of Poisons- This is the time of year when people put down fertilizers, mulch, and pesticides on lawns and landscaping. Some professionals will put flags up, but do-it-yourselfers might not. Don’t let your dog wander in other yards where chemicals or cocoa mulch (toxic if ingested) might be used. And avoid using chemicals and fertilizers in your own yard unless they are natural, organic, biodegradable, and truly safe. Be wary of “safe” label claims on fertilizer and pesticide products from home improvement and grocery stores especially. Check our Truth About Pesticides page for fact sheets on commonly used pesticides.

4. Safe Travels- Does your dog have free reign in the car while you’re driving? This is a potential safety hazard for both of you. Consider restricting the dog(s) to the back seat, using a harness or “doggie seat belt”, or crating them for the ride.  While they may love the open winds of rolled down windows or riding in the back of your truck, this is unsafe too. Debris and dust can irritate or injure their eyes, or even worse, they may fall or jump from the vehicle causing serious injury or even death. Always use precaution for the best interest of your pet. And kitty cats? It’s highly recommended to keep cats in a carrier while the vehicle is in motion. They are easily spooked and could cause serious injury to themselves or you while attempting to drive.

5. “Stay”- You always want them with you, but if you’re out running errands, the safest place for your dog is at home. We said it before, and we’ll say it again: never leave your dog in a car if the weather is warm or hot!  Cracking the car windows makes no beneficial difference. A car parked in the shade can reach dangerous temperatures on a hot day; and if it’s in the sun, the temperature can rapidly reach 160°F.   They don’t have to sit, but they do have to “stay”.

*These summer pet tips are for educational purposes only and are not medical advice. You should always consult with a vet about the health and well being of your pets.