As the mercury rises, so does the concern for the well-being of our four-legged friends; the summer months present a host of hazards for pets, and Hillsborough County's Animal Control Division of Code Enforcement is offering key advice on how to keep them safe. According to information released by Hillsborough County's website, pet owners should keep ample water available to stave off dehydration, offer ice cubes or pet-specific frozen treats to beat the heat, and walk pets during the cooler early morning or late evening hours.
Overheating poses a serious risk, with symptoms such as "excessive panting and drooling, weakness, disorientation, and/or seizure" signaling the potential onset of heat stroke, a condition that requires immediate veterinary attention, stress during summer escapes should also be minimized by updating your pet's collar and microchip with current contact information so stray pets can swiftly be reunited with their owners, the website explains. It's further advised to avoid shaving double-coated breeds like golden retrievers as this can actually lead to more harm than good, and instead, owners should speak with a veterinarian for grooming guidance tailored to their pet's specific coat type.
Ensuring pets' safety goes beyond temperature management; for instance, applying a pet-safe sunscreen can protect the bare or lightly pigmented skin of susceptible animals from sunburn. The County's experts also stress the importance of monitoring pets near water to prevent accidental drowning, outfitting them with life vests when boating, and having a disaster plan in place, especially in regions prone to events such as hurricanes.
But for all the precautions one might take, there are still dangers that lurk and they mustn't be met with complacency, pencils like fleas and ticks abound in the summertime, and pets should remain on preventative meds to avoid bites that can lead to illness, additionally, never leave any pet unattended in a car as soaring temperatures can cause fatal overheating and animals should never walk on surfaces that could scar their pads with burns. Should you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, Hillsborough County advises to "cool them by submerging them in water or spraying them with a hose," making sure to keep water out of their airways and then seeking immediate veterinary care.
For any pet emergency or to report animals in danger due to heat, authorities should be called and the Animal Control Division can be reached at (813) 744-5660. Remember, the summer heat can be just as unforgiving to our pets as it is to us, which is why these measures by Hillsborough County are not just recommendations, they're potential lifesavers.
