OLD LYME VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Summer Safety

It is no surprise that living in a beach community means ample fireworks during Summertime. Memorial day through July 4th is one of the busiest times of the year in our community, but it's also the busiest time of the year for shelters as many pets get lost, injured or killed. 

Along with fireworks, too much sun, heat and humidity can also be dangerous to pets. 

We've compiled a list of safety tips below based on recommendations of the ASPCA regarding Summertime safety: 

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away. Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.

• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.

• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

• Keep all alcoholic beverages away from pets.

Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating. Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.