Fun in the Sun?

Summertime means taking extra precautions for pets amid these potential dangers.

No. 2:

In its 2023 compilation of data, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reported that human food and drinks was the No. 2 reason pet owners called, accounting for 16.2% of calls. Protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic make up the largest part of this group, APCC said. But beware of BBQ – bones in food items like chicken wings pose a risk. Pet owners should be extra cautious of what their pets are exposed to during summer cookouts.

One hour

Summertime means road trips for many families. The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes, and almost 30º F in 20 minutes, according to statistics cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The longer you wait, the higher it goes. At one hour, your vehicle’s inside temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. “Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle!” AVMA states on its website.

½:

Fourth of July fireworks can create a lot of fear and anxiety for pets. According to surveys of pet owners, up to half the pet dog population reacts fearfully to fireworks, and one study indicated that over 15% of fearful dogs require several days or longer to recover behaviorally from a firework event.

104 degrees:

With summer temps, pets can be more prone to heat stress the longer they stay outside. A dog’s normal resting temperature ranges from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Kennel Club. Any temperature over 104 signals heat stress. Over 105 registers as heat exhaustion, and more than 106 is heatstroke requiring emergency veterinary care.

Photo credit: YinYang