As summer arrives and July Fourth celebrations approach, keeping your furry friend safe and comfortable is a priority. Warm weather, fireworks, parties, and barbecues pose unique challenges and dangers to cats and dogs. While summer is a beautiful time to enjoy nature with your pet, you must remain vigilant to these risks. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team provides safety tips so you and your pet can enjoy the summer.

Heat safety for pets

Summer’s long, hot days are as hard on pets as they are on people. Cats and dogs do not sweat through their skin to cool off and solely rely on panting and sweat glands in their paws. Their limited ability to regulate their internal body temperature leaves them at risk for heatstroke. To help your pet avoid this emergency, follow these tips:

  • Provide shade and water — Always provide plenty of fresh water for your pet by placing several bowls around your home and yard. If outside, ensure your pet can access cool, shaded areas, including trees and umbrellas. To avoid exposing your pet to the sun’s intense rays, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. take your pet on walks during the early morning or late evening hours.
  • Never leave pets in the car — Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on mild days. Never leave your pet unattended in a car or other enclosed space, even briefly. Monitor your pet while playing outside and bring them indoors if they show discomfort or fatigue.
  • Know heatstroke signs — Be aware of pets’ heatstroke signs such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, seizures, and collapse. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, move your four-legged friend to a cool area, offer water, and contact our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team immediately.

Independence Day pet safety

Summertime is a season of events, holidays, and festivals, including July Fourth. Fireworks and bright lights can cause cats and dogs to be fearful, which can unfortunately cause them to run away and become lost. Protect your pet by doing the following:

  • Create a safe space — Set up a quiet, secure area in your home where your furry friend can retreat and feel safe. Include familiar items such as their bed, toys, and a piece of your clothing.
  • Soundproof your home — Close windows and curtains to muffle fireworks noises and loud outdoor music. To mitigate external noise, consider using a white noise machine or playing the radio or TV at a soft volume, which can help soothe your anxious pet.
  • Avoid fireworks exposure — Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. Loud noises can cause your pet to bolt and run away in fear, leading to potential injury or becoming lost.

Grill and food dangers to pets

Hot grills, including oils and grease, can burn your furry scavenger. Keep your pet inside or in another section of the yard while grilling. Additionally, many picnic and holiday foods we enjoy are toxic to cats and dogs. Never feed your pet the following harmful foods:

  • Onions and garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Unbaked yeast dough
  • Moldy foods
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Avocados
  • Food containing xylitol, a sugar substitute

Ensure garbage cans are secured by using tight-fitting lids or move them to pet-free areas, such as the garage. Otherwise, pets can be tempted to rummage through trash and ingest harmful substances, including bones, skewers, corncobs, and food wrappers.

Traveling with your pet

If you are planning a holiday trip with your four-legged friend, use a pet carrier or seatbelt harness to keep your pet safe in the car. Make frequent stops for bathroom breaks, water, and a chance to stretch. Ensure your pet’s collar has up-to-date identification tags and microchip your furry pal to provide an additional security layer.

By following our tips, you can help your pet enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy summer. Being mindful of their needs and taking proactive steps to protect your furry pal from seasonal hazards will allow you and your pet to navigate the sunny months and festive occasions safely. If your pet is particularly fearful during fireworks displays, schedule an appointment with our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team so we can make recommendations to help ease their stress.