PET CARE
Summer Pet Safety Tips
Summer has officially arrived! Sunshine, hot temperatures and rising humidity are here to stay! How is your pet handling the warmer weather and are you keeping a watchful eye on your furry family member?
Warmer weather on our pets can be stressful. Pets can’t control the thermostat like we can and they depend on us to provide shelter, fresh water and grooming maintenance. So what do you need to watch for with your pet this summer?
Monitor their Body Temperature
Similar to the human body, a dog or cat’s body is affected by rising temperatures creating a variety of health risks. Hyperthermia is when your pet’s body temperature goes above the normal range (100 – 102.5 F) for a prolonged amount of time. The effects of hyperthermia can include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, organ failure, coma or even death, all common symptoms of a heat stroke in pets. Pay particularly close attention to your dog's body temperature when outside at places like the dog park.
Avoid Heat Stroke
Make sure your pet is indoors during the hottest part of the day. Air conditioning and circulation of air is recommended to help pets keep their cool both indoors and while riding in a car.
Fresh water that is cool is essential to preventing hyperthermia. Water temperature is very important. Avoid giving your pet ice cold water and ice cubes, particularly if your dog is over heated. Instead offer your dog small amounts of cool water.
Walks and outdoor playtime should be scheduled for early morning or late evening to avoid theafternoon heat.
Brush Fur
Keep your pet’s coat maintained. This is important for short and long-hair pets, any pet that sheds excess hair. By having the coat properly maintained and removing the lose hair, it allows air to circulate at the skin’s surface.
Be Careful Around Water
Water safety for our pets is also important during the summer months. Most dogs love to jump in the pool with the kids or tag along at the lake for a fishing trip. Keep these tips in mind when around the water this summer:
Invest in a life-jacket for your dog. Although he may be a strong swimmer, similar to humans, pets can become tired or ill while in the water and quickly go under.
Ear infections are very common in dogs who swim. Ask your veterinarian about an ear cleanser which can be used after swimming.
Stay Hydrated
Always provide fresh, clean water for your pet to drink. Even though you are surrounded by water, lakes and ponds can contain bacteria. Fresh, clean drinking water will help your pet flush out the contaminated water more quickly, while keeping them hydrated.
Consider Investing in Pet Insurance
Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Dog insurance and cat insurance policies can help pet parents keep their pets healthy. Get your free quote today.
Protect your Pets
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.