Summer is here, and it’s a great time to go out and spend some time with the special people in your life. Sadly, hot summer days can be deadly for animals. As the temperature soars, it is essential to know how to keep your fur baby out of harm's way. At Country Club Veterinary Clinic, we do not want to see any local pets suffering from heat-related illnesses this summer. Read on to discover a few summer suggestions from a veterinarian near Sulphur.

Leave Pets at Home

Your pet doesn’t want to stay in a sweltering vehicle while you run errands. Home is the best place for them. It only takes a half-hour for the interior of a car to climb to 120° on an 85° day. Leaving your windows open a crack or parking your car in a shady spot doesn't provide any real benefit. And leaving your vehicle running with the air conditioner on is not a good solution, either. Your cat or dog could bump the controls, or the air conditioner could fail. Leaving your beloved pet in a car alone can be deadly. It just is not worth the risk. 

Provide Lots of Water

Pets should always have access to fresh water. It’s even more important in the summer, though. Like people, animals need to stay well-hydrated during hot weather. Make sure their water dish at home is always filled with fresh water. Bring water with you when taking your dog for a walk, too. 

Stay Off Hot Pavement

The air temperature isn't the only thing you need to stress about throughout the summer. Paved surfaces get extremely hot, too, and can cause serious burns. Black asphalt can be up to 60° hotter than the temperature of the air. Serious burns can occur within one minute of contact with hot pavement. We recommend avoiding all types of pavement, including asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces, as much as possible during the summer. 

When you must walk on paved surfaces, use your hand to see how hot it is. If it’s too hot to hold your hand on it for at least 10 seconds, your dog cannot walk on it without risking serious burns to their paws. Purchasing a pair of booties for your dog is a great way to protect their paws when walking on hot pavement is a must. 

Keep Your Pet Up-to-Date on Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventatives from a Veterinarian near Sulphur

We are not the only ones who love the summer season. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) do, too. Remember to schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian near Sulphur to keep them up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

If your furry friend needs a veterinarian near Sulphur or the surrounding areas, our team would be honored team help. Contact Country Club Veterinary Clinic today to schedule your furry friend's appointment.