THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF SUMMER PET SAFETY

Summer can be a tricky time for family members who wear a fur coat all year round. While the rest of us enjoy trips to the beach and lunch in the sun, hot temperatures and summertime outings can pose a hazard for the pets you love.

Dogs and cats are homeotherms, which means they need to keep a constant body temperature. If they stay out in the sun too long or exercise too vigorously in hot weather, they can suffer from sunburn, heat stroke and more.

The team at Southern Cross Pet Insurance knows what can go wrong at this time of year. They’re one of the first to hear when their customers get hit with a vet bill for reviving a dehydrated dog or rescuing a poisoned cat, and each year the business pays out about $20 million dollars in claims for sick and injured pets.

Most of us consider our pets part of our family but, unlike us human folk, they don’t get free hospital care or ACC cover for accidents or injuries. Vet bills can cost thousands of dollars, which is why pet insurance is a smart choice, ensuring that your cat or dog gets the best care possible when it’s needed the most.

Sally Cory, Head of Veterinary Services Companion Animals at the New Zealand Veterinary Association, says “For many of us, summer is almost certainly our favourite time of year, and whilst we may enjoy playing in the sun, it can pose a number of issues for our beloved pets.

“As vets, we are often presented with pets who are showing signs of dehydration and heatstroke. Our pets can even develop sunburn, especially on those exposed and delicate areas such as ears and noses.

“Take extra care of your pets over summer and help to protect them from the effects of the heat and sun. If you have any concerns then please seek immediate advice from your vet,” she says.

As New Zealand’s leading pet insurer, Southern Cross is on a mission to help New Zealand dogs and cats live their best lives for as long as possible.

Here are a few dos and don’ts for taking care of your furry friends when the heat is on and holidays are upon us:

Don’t…

leave your pets home alone
Remember to plan your pet’s holiday when you plan your own. At some times of the year, it can be harder to find space in a cattery or kennel than a human hotel.

leave them in a parked car
The heat inside a closed car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures, leading to organ damage or even death.

leave them outside for too long
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn or overheating. Always make sure pets have access to shade.

feed them barbecue leftovers
Many human foods are not tolerated by animals – corn cobs are particularly dangerous if they aren’t kept out of reach of curious paws. And definitely no Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, chocolate or cherries as they’re poisonous to pets!

use unsafe chemicals for your garden project
Poisoning is a common pet insurance claim, so check the labels on your garden products and keep pets indoors when you’re spraying and fertilising the garden.

Do…

protect your pets’ paws
Plan your walkies for the early morning or evening to avoid high midday temperatures, hot footpaths and burning hot sand at the beach.

supervise them around water
Whether it’s a pool or the ocean, pets can drown just like humans. If you’re taking your dog on a boat, get them a puppy life vest.

give them plenty to drink
Make sure they always have access to clean drinking water and take water with you when you walk the dog.

use pet-friendly sunscreen
Skin cancer is common in cats and dogs, so it’s important to apply pet sunscreen to their hairless areas. Avoid human sunscreen, which is toxic to pets.

seek help if you’re worried
Research the veterinarian or animal hospital nearest to your holiday destination, and don’t hesitate to call them if your pet seems distressed or unwell.