Taking extra care of your pets during the hot summer months is crucial to keeping them healthy. For dogs with thin or short fur, pet sun block is a great solution to prevent sunburn. In the summertime, insects are actually more of a threat for dogs and cats then they are for children. Be sure to give your pets plenty of water, as everyone, kids, adults and pets, all need plenty of water to combat the intense heat of summer.

Animals with thin coats are at high risk of sunburn at all times, but even dogs with thick fur can suffer from sunburn. It’s easy to see that bristling coat of fur shining in the sun and think it means that our pet’s skin is safe. All pets are susceptible to burning on the tips of their ears and their noses. Another trouble spot is the abdomen. Many dogs and cats like to lie on their backs letting their stomachs take in the warmth of the sun (yes, dogs and cats sunbathe too.). Lying on their backs, while comfortable, puts pets at significant risk of sunburn. Lotions designed just for dogs and cats can be found online or at stores. If you have trouble finding what you need ask your veterinarian. Be especially careful in applying these lotions as pets have a much harder time washing out their eyes if the lotion gets in them. During the summer months, bugs can be a major problem for animals. Allergic reactions to bees and fire ants can be fatal to your dog or cat if the vet is not visited immediately. The first step is to use flea and tick medication. It is also important to use heart worm meds because a mosquito can carry the parasite to your dog or cat. Once this is taken care of keep a close eye out for anomalies. If you notice scabs on the animal you should check closely that the medication is working.

Fleas and ticks can lead to constant scratching, to the extent that patches on your animal’s body could be rubbed raw. This is tame when compared with what bees and fire ants can do to your dog or cat. Getting frisky with those buzzing bees can lead to bad stings on the nose and head of your pet. That is a serious matter itself; however, if your pet is allergic it can be fatal.

Another potentially fatal situation for your dog or cat in the summertime involves fire ants. A sleeping dog or cat can be easy prey for these red pests. These ants will actually scatter themselves over your pet’s stomach and synchronize their patterns of stinging. This can cause immense pain. If this is occurs, hose down your pet and bring it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Prevention measures should solve most problems, but be sure to keep your eyes open just in case. Swimming is something that most dogs will readily do. Cats, while they tend to avoid the water, could fall in by accident at any moment. The threat with water is not that the pets will not know how to swim, as most will know what to do instinctively. The main issue is how the animal will get out of the water after it has entered. Pool-sides and the edges of boats can be very difficult for a pet to climb onto while also staying afloat. If your dog or cat panics upon entering the water it may find it impossible to get out.

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