A Vet in Kansas City Discusses Summer Pet Safety

Summer will be here soon, and now is a great time to get out and enjoy time with loved ones. Sadly, sunny summer days and pets don’t always mix. When the temperature climbs, knowing how to safeguard your dog or cat is crucial. At Animal Medical Center of Kansas City, we don’t want to see any local pets suffering from heat-related illnesses during the scorching hot summer months. Learn how to protect your pet with these safety tips from a vet in Kansas City.

Leave Pets at Home

Your cat or dog does not want to wait in a blisteringly hot car while you shop. They would be much happier - and safer - spending the day at home. Within half an hour, the interior of your vehicle can reach a scorching 120° on an 85° day. Despite common myths, leaving your windows open slightly will not provide any real benefit, nor does parking away from direct sunlight. Leaving the vehicle running with the air conditioning switched on isn't wise, either. Your furry family member could bump the controls, or your car could break down. Leaving a cat or dog in a vehicle by itself can be deadly. It just is not worth the risk.

Make Sure They Are Drinking Enough Water

Your furry family member should always have unrestricted access to fresh water. It is even more important during the summer months, though. Like the rest of your family, your furry friend needs extra hydration when the weather warms up. Make sure their water dish at home is always filled with clean water. Bring along a bottle of water and a collapsible dish when taking your pet for a walk, too..

Stay Off Hot Pavement

The air temperature is not the only thing you need to be concerned about in the summer. Paved surfaces get extremely hot, too, and can burn your pet. Black asphalt is the most dangerous surface during the summer and can be up to 60° hotter than the current air temperature. Serious burns can occur within one minute of contact with scorching hot pavement. We recommend avoiding pavement of all types as much as possible during the summer, especially on hot, sunny days. If walking on pavement is your only option, use your hand to see how hot it is. If you can't comfortably keep your hand on it for a minimum of 10 seconds, your fur baby cannot safely walk on it. Purchasing a pair of booties for your dog is a great way to protect their paws when walking on hot pavement is a must.

Visit a Vet in Kansas City for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

People aren't the only ones who love the summer season. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) do, too. Scheduling an appointment with a vet in Kansas City is the best way to keep your pet up to date on safe and effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

If your four-legged family member needs a vet in Kansas City or the surrounding areas, we would be honored to lend a hand. Give us a call now to schedule your pet's first appointment at Animal Medical Center of Kansas City.