Essential Summer Pet Safety Tips from Your Etobicoke Veterinarian

Summer is a great time to get out and explore the outdoors with our four-legged family members in Etobicoke. From a walk around Centennial Park to trails along Mimico Creek or just hanging out in the backyard, warm weather creates plenty of opportunities for fun.

But the summer also presents specific seasonal dangers for our pets. With extreme temperatures and unseen pests, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions to keep your pets healthy and happy.

The team at Bloor-Kipling Animal Clinic has put together this essential guide to summer pet safety to help you navigate the sunny months ahead.

1. Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car

Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even for “just a minute” — this cannot be stressed enough. Even on a relatively mild day, temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous, life-threatening levels in less than 10 minutes with the windows cracked.

Pets can develop heatstroke very quickly. When you have errands to run that your pet cannot accompany you on, it is always best to leave them at home resting comfortably in the air conditioning.

2. Watch the Hot Pavement.

Before you head out for a walk along Bloor Street, do a quick ‘seven-second test.’ Place the back of your hand on the pavement or asphalt for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s sensitive paw pads.

The Fix: Take the less-travelled paths, walk on the grass, or shift your workout to early morning or late evening when the ground has had time to cool down.

3. Stay Up To Date With Parasite Prevention

With the warmer weather, fleas, ticks and mosquitoes go through the roof. Lyme disease-carrying ticks are becoming an increasing concern across Ontario, and mosquitoes can transmit the potentially fatal heartworm disease to your pets.

The Fix: Make sure your pet is up to date on their vet-approved flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. If you need to restock or you are unsure about which treatment is right for your pet’s lifestyle, please give our team a call.

4. Keep them Hydrated and in the Shade

Pets don’t sweat like humans; their only means of cooling is panting, which is much less effective. This means they can dry out quickly in the summer heat.

The Fix: Always provide your pet with fresh, clean, cold water. If they spend time in the backyard, ensure there is a designated shady spot where they can get away from the direct sun. Keep pets indoors on especially humid days, with the fan or AC running.

5. Beware of “High-Rise Syndrome.”

Many Etobicoke apartment and condo residents open their windows in the summer to let in the breeze. Unfortunately, every year vets see injuries from “High-Rise Syndrome” where cats or dogs fall from open windows or balconies.

The Fix: Make sure all your window screens are strong, tightly secured and rip-free. Don’t leave pets unattended on a balcony.

6. Identify Symptoms of Heat Stroke

We do our best, but emergencies can happen. Recognizing the signs of heatstroke can save your pet’s life. Watch for:

• Panting or difficulty breathing in excess or frantic
• Thick, sticky saliva or bright red gums
• Stumbling weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Emergency Tip: If you think your pet is overheating, get them to a cool area immediately, apply cool (not freezing cold) water to their body, and call a vet.

Your Pet’s Health is Our Concern

At Bloor-Kipling Animal Clinic, your pet’s health and happiness are our first concern. So whether you need to update your pet’s vaccinations, stock up on flea and tick prevention, or schedule a routine wellness exam, our compassionate team is here to help you have a worry-free summer.

Questions? Want to book an appointment? Contact us today!

Tel: 416-233-6306

Address: 3804 Bloor St. W., Etobicoke, ON M9B 6C2

Website: https://www.bloorkiplinganimalclinic.ca/