06/01/2026
☀️ Summer Safety Tips ☀️
As summer approaches and temperatures warm up in Michigan, ensure your pet's safety with these important tips:
🪱 Parasite Prevention 🦟
Keep your pets on year-round heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. Ticks in Michigan can transmit disease within 24 hours. Most preventions kill ticks well before any disease can be transmitted.
♨️ Heat Safety ♨️
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car! An 85°F day can lead to car temperatures of 102°F in 10 minutes and 120°F in 30 minutes.
Test pavement heat with your hand for at least 7 seconds before walking your dog - too hot for you means too hot for your pets paws. Limit walks when temperatures exceed 77°F, opting for early morning or evening to prevent paw pad burns.
On hot days, regularly monitor pets with respiratory issues, Brachycephalic breeds (flat faced pets), and those overweight or with thick fur as they are extremely susceptible to heat stroke.
‼️ Heat Stroke Signs‼️
Look for heavy panting, brick red gums, high heart rate, lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, and unconsciousness.
Emergency treatment needs to be administered immediately:
1. Move the dog to a cool, shaded area.
2. Apply cool (not cold) water to the body, especially the head, neck, and paws.
3. Use a fan to aid in cooling.
4. Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to lick.
5. Seek immediate veterinary care.
🌊 Water Safety 🌊
Supervise pets around pools, lakes, and beaches. Ensure water sources are free of toxic algae. Prevent excessive water consumption and confirm the area is safe.
🎆 Fireworks & Noise Anxiety 🎆
Protect pets from fireworks by using calming medications and providing a secure space. Update microchip and collar information to prevent loss due to fear.
🍇 Food/Chemical Dangers ☢️
Keep harmful foods like grapes, onions, chocolate, alcohol, cooked chicken bones, grill scraps & grease, fuel, corn on the cob, and skewers away from pets. All of which are toxic or foreign body risks.
Avoid exposure to herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. These can cause gastrointestinal upset and serious health issues if ingested.
Keeping your pet safe in summer involves proactive prevention and awareness of their environment. If you have any questions please reach out to Caring Animal Hospital at 517-694-6766!
