Exercise for Pets in Fall River: Healthy Summer Tips for Pets
With summer weather quickly on the way, it’s a good time to talk about summer tips for pets to help keep your pet safe, healthy, and engaged this season. Whether in the middle of a heatwave or just a mild summer’s day, it is essential to know the dos and don’ts of exercise for pets in Fall River and the surrounding South Coast region. It’s always a good idea to schedule a veterinary check-up with your favorite Dartmouth animal hospital to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for any new type of exercise. You don’t want to push an overweight or senior pet into exercise without consulting with a veterinarian first.
Check the Weather
Before venturing outdoors, make sure to check the weather. High heat and humidity can be a dangerous combination, but there are things you can do to still get some exercise each day. The night before, check the temperatures and look at the hourly weather forecast. This can help you avoid summer storms, extreme heat, and high humidity, which could pose a risk to your dog’s health – and your own. Even if you just want to go for a walk in the neighborhood or set up an obstacle course in the backyard, make sure to check the weather.
Regardless of the temperature, never leave your pet in a parked car. This can be dangerous even before the heat and humidity of summer arrive. A 75-degree day can translate to 90-100 degrees or more inside the vehicle, which can be fatal to pets left inside. Every summer, we see heartbreaking reports on the news or in the local paper about pets and children left alone inside vehicles. Even on a mild day, it can only take a few minutes for the temperature to reach a dangerous level.
Be Aware at All Times
Whenever you take your pet out into the world, make sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times. The best way to protect your dog is to learn how to anticipate situations that might be potentially dangerous for them. Dog parks can be a great way to exercise some pets, but for others, there could be a risk of fights and other harmful behavior. Protect your pet by knowing their proclivities and help them by keeping them out of situations where they could be harmed – or harm others. Exercise for pets in Fall River should be limited in the summer, but don’t neglect it altogether. Schedule a veterinary check-up before starting any new type of exercise to make sure your pet is fit enough to do it.
Some breeds are more high-risk in summer weather and certain types of exercise. Increased temperatures and high humidity can be dangerous for very young pups, senior pets, overweight dogs, and breeds with short muzzles, such as pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. If your pet has been diagnosed with heart conditions or respiratory diseases, make sure to keep them indoors and maintain a cool and controlled temperature. Dehumidifiers may be necessary as well, depending on where you live, especially for pets with thick coats. Contact our Dartmouth animal hospital if you have any questions about your pet’s unique requirements and limitations during summer.
Summer Tips for Pets
Always provide a bowl of cool, fresh water. Check on it several times each day. If you are away from home, bring a bottle of water for your pet and bring a collapsible bowl to make drinking easier. Maintain a cool environment for your pet at all times, using an air conditioner or fan for extra circulation. Protect your pet’s paw pads, especially when going for a walk or visiting a sandy beach or lake. Severe burns can occur even during mild temperatures, so it is essential to stick to grassy areas or get protective sun booties for your pet. Avoid using a muzzle, which can restrict panting and your dog’s ability to cool down in the summer. Consider sunscreen products made for dogs on your fair-skinned pets to prevent skin cancer and other UV-related issues. Need more summer tips for pets? Ask your trusted veterinarian at your next visit to our Dartmouth animal hospital. Call Anchor Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment at 508-996-3731 or to speak with one of our team members about your concerns.