Is summer a time filled with days of
fun, sun, and outdoor play for your dog? If your vacation getaway includes the
entire family (humans and canines), take a look at what you need to know about
dogs and summer safety.
The Car Ride
How can you make a road trip safer
for your dog? Even though you can jump in the car and buckle the kids in,
traveling with a pet requires extra planning and careful consideration.
The car poses several potential
risks for your dog. Between accident-related issues and the summer heat, you
need to take precautions before and during your road trip. The top ways to keep
your dog safe in the car during a summer vacation include:
- Never leave your dog in a
locked car
.
According to the ASPCA, in 10 minutes, a car's interior temperature can
reach 102 degrees Fahrenheit on an 85-degree day. If you need to leave the
car during a rest or food break, take your dog with you.
- Don't let your dog roam freely
. An unrestrained dog poses a
risk to the driver and could sustain serious injury in a crash. Ask the
veterinarian for recommendations on the best restraints or car carriers.
- Stop often
. You need food, water, and
bathroom breaks on a long road trip. Your dog also needs these breaks for
health and safety. Stop often to give your dog fresh water, let them
stretch their legs, and give them time to relieve themselves outdoors.
The car ride is the first part of
your summer vacation. After arriving at your destination, you need to continue
similar safety measures. With a few simple steps, you can continue to keep your
pet safe and healthy.
The Hotel Room
Does your summer vacation include a
hotel room or another similar type of rental? A stay in a strange place can
create safety concerns or make your dog feel anxious. To make the most of your
hotel room or summer rental with your pet:
- Dog-proof the space
. Does your dog chew on cords
or get into anything that isn't locked up? Walk through the room,
apartment, or other space and remove all potential hazards.
- Keep the space at a comfortable
temperature
. A hot
room can pose a safety issue for your pet. Set the air conditioner at a
comfortable temperature and make sure your dog is cool. If your dog pants
or seems lethargic, boost the AC.
- Confirm pet policies
. If the hotel (or rental) has
specific rules and regulations, confirm and follow these policies.
- Bring familiar items
. Take your dog's favorite toy,
a blanket, or something else that smells like home with you. This can help
to calm your dog during their hotel stay.
Bring your pet with you when you
leave the room or rental. Even though your pet may do well alone at home, they
need your supervision in a new environment.
The Vacation Food
Should you bring your dog's regular
food on vacation? Simply stated — yes. Your dog's digestive system is used to
their daily dry or wet food. A sudden change could upset their stomach and
leave them with a vacation's worth of abdominal issues.
If your dog only eats wet or fresh
food, you'll need to provide refrigeration. This may mean toting a cooler along
in the car (or on activities and excursions) or asking the hotel or rental to
provide a room with a fridge.
While you might enjoy dinner out, a
hotdog on the boardwalk, or other vacation treats, your dog shouldn't eat human
food. Even though some foods may only cause minor stomach irritation (or no
symptoms), others are serious safety hazards. Never feed your dog:
- Chocolate
. The cookies and ice cream
your kids feast on during your trip aren't healthy for your dog. According
to the ASPCA, chocolate contains methylxanthines. These substances can
cause diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst, panting, tremors, seizures, or
worse in dogs.
- Dairy
. The chocolate in your child's
ice cream isn't the only thing that can upset your dog's sensitive
stomach. Dairy can also cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
- Coconut
. The tropical fruit can upset
your dog's stomach. Along with fresh or dried coconut, never give your dog
coconut water.
- Macadamia nuts
. If your dog eats these nuts,
they could experience weakness, tremors, or abdominal issues.
- Xylitol
. This sweetener substitute can
increase your dog's insulin levels and cause elevated liver enzymes or
liver failure. Xylitol is commonly found in gums, candy, and mints.
Along with foods that present known
hazards to pets, never feed your dog leftovers that have sat outside or in a
hot car. These are breeding grounds for bacteria and cause serious GI issues in
a dog. Throw away your leftovers or don't bring them with you. Your curious
canine could get into a tasty-smelling bag or box of food.
Does your dog need a pre-vacation
vet visit? Contact South Seattle Veterinary Hospital
for more information.
