Protect your pet from summertime hazards

1. The Animal Medical Center

2. Jellyfish
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Stinging jellyfish cause inflammation and pain if stepped on or eaten. Keep
your dog from snacking on these during a walk on the beach.
Baking soda, rubbing
alcohol and meat
tenderizer may help
alleviate pain from a
jellyfish sting.

3. Sand
Many dogs love a day at the beach, but snacking on sand or drinking
sandy water can result in sand impaction of the intestines.
This x-ray shows a
dog who ate sand at
the beach and has
an impacted
intestine.
Fortunately, the sand
passed without the
need for surgery.
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4. Heatstroke
Hot and humid days put dogs and cats at risk for heatstroke or heat
exhaustion. Be sure to provide adequate shade, fresh water and a
cool environment for your pets during the hot summer days. Exercise
should be limited to early in the morning or evening when it is coolest,
to avoid overheating.
Short nosed dogs, like
this Frenchie, and black
coated dogs are more
prone to heatstroke.
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5. Pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean
Keeping cool is important, but dogs do not understand the risks of
falling into a pool or other body of water. Don’t let your dog swim
unattended.
This dog is cool AND safe
in his shallow backyard
pool. On boats, put a
lifejacket on your dog.
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6. The car
Every year, hundreds of dogs perish when left in a car for “just a
minute.” Temperatures rapidly soar inside a hot car.
Never leave your pets in
a parked car.
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7. Wildlife
As the interface between urban and rural areas widens, wild animals
are more likely to enter our yards and gardens. The presence of
coyotes, raccoons and other wildlife puts our pets at risk for injury
from attacks or diseases, such as rabies from contact with infected
wildlife.
Make sure your
pets’ rabies
vaccinations are up
to date and don’t
leave your pet
outdoors
unattended.
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8. Hot pavement
Asphalt and concrete can get hot enough to fry an egg and will also fry
your pets delicate paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on,
then it is too hot for your dog’s paws too.
Always walk your dog on
the shady side of the street.
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9. Fireworks and thunderstorms
Pets frightened by loud noises have a very difficult time during the
summer because of fireworks and thunderstorms. These loud noises
can cause your pet to bolt out the front door and get lost or injured.
Give your pet a
quiet, safe place
to be during
storms and Fourth
of July
celebrations.
Keep doors and
windows closed.
Draw the shades.

10. Falling from windows without screens
Open windows are a hazard for both cats and dogs. Every summer,
The AMC ER treats many pets for broken bones, fractured teeth and
lung bruising after falls from apartment windows.
Be sure your windows
have screens or
window guards strong
enough to keep your
pet from falling. If not,
keep the windows
closed.
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11. Most important of all!
REMEMBER: If you are concerned about your pet’s
health, don’t hesitate to seek out your veterinarian’s
advice. Early treatment can save your dog or cat’s
life!
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