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Summer Hot Weather Hazards For Pets

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As we head into July and August, hot temperatures can really have an impact on our pets. Let’s discuss some of the potential hazards that might be present in your surroundings as summer heats up.

According to the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are a number of things to consider during hot weather.

  • Heartworm. While heartworm may not be the first thing that comes to mind, heartworm is a risk factor. Moosquitos are out and they transmit the disease. Get your pet checked for heartworm and keep her on preventative medication.
  • Dehydration. Like humans, pets need to get plenty of water and have a shady or cool spot to keep their internal temperature regulated.
  • Parked cars. We know that it can heat up quickly inside a car. This means potential heat stroke or death. And, in some states it is illegal.
  • Pools. Pets shouldn’t be unsupervised. Not every pet is a good swimmer. And if you use pool covers, the potential for an unattended pet to get trapped is real.
  • Open, unscreened windows. Pets can fall out of windows that are open and unscreened. Also, if you live in a high-rise with a patio or balcony make sure your pet is never left unattended. A fall from a significant distance can be fatal and can potentially injure others below.
  • Asphalt. We know the road gets hot. If your pet is low to the ground, not only can they get an overheated body from absorbing heat into their belly, they can burn the pads on their paws.

For other hazards go to https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips.

Be safe and keep an eye on your senior pets as the summer sun raises the mercury in those thermometers.

Avoiding the Summer of Separation Anxiety

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As we watch vaccination rates increase and society slowly tiptoe towards one another again, one thing those of us with pets will be attempting to avoid is separation anxiety. 

My dog, like most people, has a routine. And she likes to keep things in the rut in which she has grown accustomed. Just like humans, pets need to acclimate to new routines in order to mitigate the most severe reactions of separation anxiety that could occur.

As summer nears, people and pets may find themselves struggling to readjust. Just as you would prepare your children for bedtime hours in the days leading up to the end of summer vacation, you should consider how to manage your pet.

What to Consider

If your pet has grown used to having you home all day long and you immediately disappear as you begin to work outside the home again or go on vacation, your pet may demonstrate separation anxiety. It could be as simple as an involuntary urination in the house or as destructive as chewing drywall or breaking through windows or doors.

The best way to avoid any extreme reaction is to transition your pet back to your typical routine. Floofins & Co. can assist you by helping you get your pet out the door and back to a normal midday walk with our pet care specialist. We can also help you build up extended periods of your absence to reacclimatize them to potential travel periods.

What You Can D0

If you have a new puppy, you want to build times into your schedule where you leave them alone. Also, you want to get them used to a dog walker during the day. Exposing them to different schedules and people, with safe social distancing, will help to prevent separation anxiety.

We want to help you get out and be in the world again while making sure your floofin has had the time to remember what those periods away from home will feel like.

Hopefully, you can avoid any behavior issues from separation anxiety by taking steps now to get your pet readjusted slowly to different routines. Contact us to find out how to schedule your pet on walks with us and ask about any special accommodations you may have. Stay safe, transition slowly, and avoid separation anxiety.

Avoiding Separation Anxiety

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I have a confession: my dog sometimes pees on the rug. It’s nothing personal and we don’t talk about it (much). It is a symptom of her separation anxiety.

My dog, like most people, has a routine. And she likes to keep things in the rut in which she has grown accustomed. There is no question that her actions come from a past life (she was an adult rescue). Just like humans, pets need to acclimate to new normals in order to mitigate the most severe reactions of separation anxiety that could occur.

As Illinois begins to transition from its period of strict stay-at-home orders, people and pets may find themselves struggling to readjust. Just as you would prepare your children for bedtime hours in the days leading up to the end of summer vacation, you should consider how to manage your pet. [Read more…] about Avoiding Separation Anxiety