Hot Weather Hazards for Pets in Springfield, Illinois

Summer time means warmer weather, more time outside, and more fun!  But with those things, also comes added responsibility for pet owners.  Often people think that only pets who live outdoors need special pre-cautions in warm weather, but there are many different hazards that can harm dogs and cats no matter where they are.  A few are listed below as a reminder to be careful while having fun and enjoying the summer! 

• Paw Safety – use caution when taking your dog for a walk on hot surfaces.  Asphalt and concrete heat up quickly in the sun, which can lead to burnt paw pads.  If you must take your pet for a walk on these surfaces in the hot sun, be sure to keep your pet moving and have them take breaks to walk on grass or a shaded surface.
• Hydration – adequate water supply is essential in the hot summer weather.  Dogs and cats will be consume more water as their internal body temperature increases, and they pant more to keep cool.  If putting extra buckets out for your outdoor pet, be sure to place them where they cannot be dumped over.
• Car Temperatures – taking your pet to run an errand, even if you will be out of the car for just 10 minutes, is unacceptable in the summer heat.  Please see the chart below for actual temperatures inside a car in relation to the environment.  A pet can die very quickly in these scenarios, and sadly it is always a preventable death.

• Yard Products – insecticides and herbicides applied to your yard and garden can also be harmful to your pet.  Be sure to read the label before applying products to an area where your pet has access.  Some mulch can be dangerous as well.  Dogs in particular like to eat mulch, and some of the mulch products contain caffeine which can be toxic to pets.

• Haircuts – many pets receive a “summer cut” to keep them cool during the warm months.  If your pet’s hair is cut too short, they can actually get a sunburn.
• Swimming – not all dogs can swim well, so if you plan to have your pet near a body of water (pools, ponds, lakes, etc), be sure to monitor them closely until you know they are able to swim and get around without drowning.  Give them a good rinse once out of the pool to remove any chemicals from their fur and skin.
• Open Windows – screens in windows and doors are another hazard often overlooked.  Pets are curious by nature, and if they see something interesting outside, they can easily pop screens out without meaning to and escape from your home.
• BBQ – parties are common in the summertime. Grease from grills and food and drink dropped or spilled can be dangerous for pets if ingested.  Diarrhea and vomiting are often seen after a pet eats something that it does not normally consume.​
  

Our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate veterinary care with a personal touch.  We strive to maintain a friendly and comfortable environment for pets and owners and are committed to building strong, respectful, and honest relationships with our clients.  Through teamwork, we are dedicated to ensuring the best care possible and treating pets as if they were our own.