3 Pet Safety Tips Your Vets in Kiel, WI Need You to Know

If you've just adopted a new pet, you may feel overwhelmed by your new responsibilities. However, by learning some essential safety tips for your pet, you'll have a far easier time keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy.   

Keep reading to learn our top three pet safety tips that can improve the quality of your furry loved one's life!   

1. Keep Pets in the Shade  

As the weather heats up, your dogs will love spending more time in the backyard. However, just like humans, animals can also get overheated if they don't have access to cool shade and cold water throughout the day.   

It's also vital that you avoid leaving your pets in the car for too long without air conditioning. The inside temperature of a closed vehicle left in the sun can rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in only 10 minutes. With these temperatures, animals can die from brain damage or heat exhaustion.   

Similarly, make sure not to keep out long on hot summer days. Here are a few signs of dehydration:   

  • Exhaustion  

  • Dry mouth  

  • Sunken eyes  

  • Loss of skin elasticity  

If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you speak with your vet as soon as possible!   

2. Check for Heartworm  

With your pet going out more in the spring or summer, they're more susceptible to heartworm disease that can be passed through mosquito bites. If not treated, this disease can lead to heart failure.   

For this reason, make sure that your pets are protected with heartworm preventatives before they go out. If they haven't been checked recently, make sure to make an appointment with your vet to check for heartworms.  

3. Keep Toxic Food Away  

Lastly, toxic food around pets is always a risk regardless of the season or weather. Chocolate is one of the leading toxins in dogs–even one ounce can lead to vomiting, heavy panting, seizures, and more. If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, it's essential to take them to the vet as soon as possible.   

Raisins, grapes, onions, and sugar-free gum are highly toxic to pets. So keep these foods in mind next time you have a backyard barbecue or get-together when you're less likely to be paying attention to your pet.   

Your Vets in Kiel, WI Care About Pets  

A reputable vet in Kiel, WI, cares about your pet's quality of life. With this in mind, if you ever have any questions about the care of your pet, make sure to speak with your veterinarian.  

By making sure your pet is cool and comfortable, kept away from dangerous foods and taking the proper preventatives, you can significantly enhance their quality of life.   

Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us today to get started!