With the Fourth of July just a few days away, summer has officially begun. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can give your pets a memorable summer while being safe and sensible.
Plan a Safe Fourth of July
Despite their appeal to many people, fireworks are terrifying to most of our animal companions. They can become frightened and disoriented by the flashing lights and explosive booms. More pets go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. But you can plan ahead to minimize your pets’ anxiety and keep them safe.
- Create a calm and safe space. Close windows and run the air conditioner or fans to muffle the noise. Close shades and curtains to further hide the noise and light flashes. Turn on the television or play soothing music.
- Make sure to finish up your dog walks and other outdoor activities before it gets dark. A little extra playtime beforehand might tire your dog and help her relax once fireworks begin.
- Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing ID collars to make their return to you easier should they run away. And be sure your contact information is up to date on your microchip registration.
- Be sure to refill in advance any prescriptions your pet takes to keep him calm, and administer it as directed by your veterinarian. Read more about managing fireworks phobia in your dog on the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s website.
Keep Your Pets Safe All Summer
Remember these basics to keep your pets safe in the heat.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. The temperature inside can rise within minutes to above 100 degrees, resulting in injury or death.
- Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water, indoors and out, to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- Be sure your pets have plenty of shade.
- The ground temperature of concrete, asphalt, and sand can burn your pet’s paws. If the ground feels too hot to your hand, then it’s too hot for little paws.
- Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion. It can be fatal to your pet. Symptoms include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, seizures, vomiting, weakness, and collapse. If you observe any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler location and call your veterinarian immediately.
Surf’s Up! Visit a Dog Beach with Your Best Friend
Sharing a romp with your dog on the beach can be one of the most satisfying bonding experiences you and your dog can share. Fortunately for dog owners in the New York City area, including Long Island, they have plenty of great dog beaches to choose from.
Amanda Brandt recently created a great new website called Dog Beaches Near Me to help dog owners find dog-friendly beaches and lakefront in their area. It’s a well-researched resource that can help you locate dog-friendly beaches close to home or at your vacation destination.
“Dog rules at beaches can be confusing and they often vary for each beach,” Amanda explains. “Many beaches are dog-friendly, but do not allow dogs to be off-leash, or they only allow dogs to be off-leash while in the water, while many others do not allow dogs at all.”
Amanda’s goal was to create a site that provides clarity to the rules of specific beaches and to help dog owners locate beaches in their area where they can feel comfortable bringing their dogs.
The website also offers tips to help first-time dog beach visitors have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
“Going to a dog beach for the first time can be very intimidating,” says Amanda. “When you aren’t really sure what to expect, it’s easy to feel out of place. This is especially the case if you are not used to dogs who are off-leash.
The website offers some simple tips to help dog owners feel confident and safe at any dog beach they visit.
Take Your Dog to a Dog Park
If your dog is a dog park regular, then you probably know the drill about what to watch out for to ensure a safe and fun visit. But if you’re new to the dog park scene, you’ll find some helpful advice about how to prepare you and your dog for the dog park experience here.
Take Your Dog to a Ball Game!
The Brooklyn Cyclones invite you to bring your Pooch to the Park on Wednesday, July 6 and Wednesday, August 31.
Fans and their dogs enjoy the game from The Backyard with a special ticket package that includes a leash for when you take your friend for a stroll. To bring your dog, you MUST purchase this exclusive package.
Planning a Road Trip with Your Pets?
It’s great to take them along, but be sure you’re aware of your responsibilities to keep them safe. Check out these tips before you embark on a road trip with your pets.
Find a Pet Sitter
Some vacations just don’t lend themselves to taking the pets along. If you’re lucky, you have a trusted friend or family member who knows your pets and can care for them while you’re away. But if you need to hire a professional pet sitter, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center offers guidance on the subject.
Summer should be a joyous time for you and your pets. Be smart, be safe, and have fun together!