Top Tips for Pet Safety in Summer

Pet safety in summer is a priority if you’re taking your beloved dog or cat on holiday this summer. Heat stroke, ingesting poisonous animals and getting lost are only three of the many dangers you want to avoid while having plenty of fun in the sun.

Here we round up our top tips on what to look for and why.

Before you read on, first read up about NZ’s Lead the Way programme – and its seven steps to keeping you, your pooch and native wildlife safe when you’re enjoying the coast. Because we know the beach and nearby areas is a must-visit on many summer lovers lists!

Ingestion of poisonous animals

Over the last year, 8.4% of our total claims in NZ for dogs have been related to accidental ingestion. For cats that figure is 3.5%.

This is when a pet eats a foreign object that causes health risks. For example, it’s either toxic, it chokes them or lodges in their airway, or it’s unable to be digested so needs to be surgically removed.

Your dog or cat gobbling up a bird is one thing, but holiday destinations pose a few other risks. For instance, poisonous animals including sea snakes, blue bottles, sea slugs, and jellyfish. Even sand can cause problems if your overeager doggo munches down too much.

Monitor your pet when they’re at the beach or lake. If they’re running about, frolicking in the waves or rock pools, take notice if they’re spending too much time snuffling a certain spot. They may be becoming acquainted with a sea creature they shouldn’t be eating.

If you suspect they’ve swallowed something already and they’re showing signs of poisoning or choking, get them to the closest vet as quick as you can.

Read our tips on how to keep your dog safe at the beach before you head out for fun in the sun.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke in pets is a concern in summer, especially if you’re travelling to particularly hot areas.

It happens if your pet’s core temperature rises above 40.5 degrees. If they aren’t cooled down immediately, this can lead to serious complications like seizures, blood clots, damage to their organs, and death.

Pets are particularly prone to this because they’re covered in fur, don’t sweat like we do, nor do they have clothes they can shed quickly to cool off. A pet with thick fur like a Labrador or Husky is even more at risk.

Be sure to look for signs such as excessive panting, salivating, rapid heartrate, bright red gums or tongue, dizziness, disorientation, unsteadiness, muscle tremors, obvious discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.

A pet left on a hot beach, patio or in a yard with no shade or drinking water can quickly get heat stroke. However, the main cause of heat stroke in pets is leaving cats or dogs inside hot cars. A closed car can heat up in minutes, even with open windows and parked in the shade, so as a rule pets should never be left in a car.

Pitter patter paws towards pet safety in summer

Another hazard related to heat is walking your dog or cat on tar, beach sand, or ground that’s too hot for their paws. Just like you, your pet’s feet are sensitive to heat – and surfaces that are too high in temperature can seriously injure them.

A clever way to see if it’s safe is to place the back of your hand on the surface you’ll walk them on. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for at least five to ten seconds, it’s too hot to do so.

Avoid walking your pet in the heat of the day, especially on heat absorbent surfaces like tar or sand. Grass is a much friendlier option. If you need to walk your pet on a surface you expect may be hot, consider dog or cat shoes.

Other hazards for pet safety in summer

Apart from those listed above, be mindful of the following concerns around pet safety in summer:

Getting lost

Busy beaches, bustling tourist destinations and unfamiliar environments – these all up the risk of losing sight of your dog or cat. Pets should always be collared and tagged, no matter where you go. Be sure to read our tips on finding your lost pet on a holiday or road trip.

Parasites

Depending on your destination, your pet may be more exposed to ticks, fleas and other parasites. These parasites are active all year, but peak in the summer. Our handy guide on flea treatment in NZ will give you a bunch of information on how to prevent these nasties from bothering your fur baby.

Dehydration

It may seem obvious, but always make sure your pet has enough clean water to drink. More time spent outdoors, and in the heat indoors, requires more hydration. Consider one of these nifty travel water bowls for when you’re out and about.

Sunburn

Your fur baby can burn just as much as you do. Light coloured dogs with short fur like white bull terriers are especially at risk, as are hairless cats. Apply a liberal animal-friendly SPF to their coats before you head out into the sun.

Drowning

If you’re swimming in the sea or taking your pet out on a boat, always equip them with a life jacket. The ocean is unpredictable, and you never know when a breaker might take them or they run out of puff.

Fireworks

Summer holidays means celebrating, and some people choose to do this with fireworks. That isn’t much fun for our pets. Read our guide on pet safety and fireworks to be prepared as much as possible for fireworks.

Don’t forget to have fun while focusing on pet safety in summer!

After the year we’ve had, or should we say last two years, taking a holiday has never been more necessary. You don’t need to tell us that you and your pet both deserve it.

As much as holiday destination can bring risks, you’re not going to do anyone any good being paranoid about your pet’s safety. Good common sense and a bit of preparation will go a long way.

For even more peace of mind, get pet insurance so you can seek veterinary treatment without worrying about the cost. Get a free quote today and sign up for a truly epic, stress-free summer holiday.