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Summer Safety Reminders for Grapevine Pets
There’s no time like summertime for barbecuing, partying, and enjoying life. However, many of summer’s defining elements—the sun and heat, barbecues, severe storms, biting bugs—can be harmful for your pet.
Below are some friendly reminders to help you and other pet owners keep your loved ones safe and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, just contact our emergency animal hospital in Grapevine right away. Our veterinarians are available 24/7!
Heat Safety
- Your pet should always have access to fresh water and shelter from the sun. Never leave your pet outside or in a parked vehicle unattended. Even just a few minutes of exposure to high temperatures can affect your pet.
- Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paw pads and increase their overall body temperature. Instead of late mornings and afternoons, walk your dog very early in the morning or at dusk, when the temperature is coolest. If you choose to walk in the evening, be sure to wear bright colors and/or something reflective so drivers can see you.
- Heat stroke can be fatal for pets. If your pet is panting heavily, drooling, showing no interest in food, and unable to urinate, they could have heat stroke. Bring your pet in to see us for treatment immediately if you notice these signs.
Barbecues & Parties
- Don’t give food scraps to your dog, especially if it’s something greasy. Additionally, meat bones can be dangerous if swallowed. Bones that splinter have sharp edges and points that can cause choking or internal damage.
- Keep your pet’s food and treats available to them so they won’t be as tempted by people food.
- Clear away used napkins, plasticware, corncobs, and other items that could be a choking hazard if your pet eats them.
- Is your pet afraid of fireworks? Keep them in the house in a secure room. Often, a pet will try to run away if they’re startled by loud noises. Also, make sure your pet is microchipped. If they do get lost, you’ll have an easier time finding them again.
Water Safety
- Don’t let your pet drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or the ocean. They can contract a virus and become very sick. Grapevine Lake is a great local destination, but its water is not for drinking!
- If your dog is not a natural swimmer, get a lifejacket in their size so they can safely stay afloat. Always supervise your pet while they’re swimming.
Parasite Protection
- Both cats and dogs need to be kept on monthly parasite preventives throughout the year to protect against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites.
- If you live near a wooded area, check your pet’s coat, ears and paws for ticks before bringing them into the house.
- Clean up animal feces before your pet can investigate them, as feces can house worm larvae.
Severe Weather
- In case of severe weather, make sure your doors are secured so your pet doesn’t escape. Sometimes pets can become fearful when storms are on the way, and they might try to run away. You can also try calming options such as a Thundershirt, a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, or some other method to help them relax.
- Texas sees more tornadoes than any other state in the US. Be prepared and have a plan. Have a secure shelter and an easy route to get to that shelter. Practice leashing your dog and leading them to safety so they won’t be alarmed or uncooperative should a real tornado be on the way.
- If you have a cat, try getting them acclimated to their carrier so it’s easier to crate them in a time crunch. As a last resort, try picking up your cat with a blanket to avoid bites and scratches.