There is nothing quite like summer at the shore. The longer days, warm evenings, backyard cookouts, beach trips, and holiday celebrations are part of what makes this season so special. For many families, pets are right there with us, riding along for weekend plans, joining us outside, or settling in beside us after a day in the sun.
But summer can also be unpredictable for pets. The same things people enjoy, including fireworks, heat, travel, swimming, and extra time outdoors, can create real risks for dogs and cats. With a little planning, owners can help their animals stay safer and more comfortable all season long.
One of the biggest concerns this time of year is fireworks. In shore towns, fireworks are rarely limited to the Fourth of July. They may go off throughout the week, often unexpectedly and at different times of night. For pets with noise anxiety, this can be frightening.
Some pets tremble, pant, pace, hide, bark, cry, or try to escape. If your pet has a history of fireworks anxiety or noise phobias, talk to your veterinarian early. There are several medications that may help, and your veterinarian can discuss what is safest for your family.
Comfort measures can also help. Some pets benefit from pheromone products, white noise, closed curtains, or a quiet interior room away from windows. If your pet has a favorite hiding place, make it easy to access and as comfortable as possible with bedding, water, and familiar items.
Identification is essential, especially during fireworks. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current ID tags, and confirm their microchip information is up to date. During peak fireworks times, keep pets indoors when possible. When dogs do need to go outside, keep them leashed, even in the yard, and double-check gates and doors.
Heat is another major summer concern! Dogs can overheat quickly, especially during the hottest part of the day. Plan walks for early morning or later in the evening, bring water, offer frequent breaks, and choose shady routes whenever possible. Hot pavement can also burn paw pads. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s feet.
It is also important to consider your pet’s fitness level. A dog who has not been exercising regularly may not be ready for a long run just because the weather is nice. Start with short walks and build up slowly. Brachycephalic, or “smushy-faced,” breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are especially vulnerable in the heat because they have a harder time cooling themselves. For these pets, short, gentle outings during cooler parts of the day are usually safest.
Travel deserves some planning, too. Some pets are wonderful travelers, while others are much happier staying home with a trusted caretaker. Before bringing your pet on vacation, consider what is truly best for them. If your pet is traveling with you, bring a printed or electronic copy of their medical records, vaccine history, and medication list. This can be extremely helpful if an unexpected veterinary visit is needed while you are away. It is also beneficial to look up nearby emergency vets before your trip. Hopefully you won’t need one but knowing where to go ahead of time is much better than searching during a stressful moment.
Summer skin and ear problems are also common, especially for pets spending time outside or in the water. Allergies can show up as itchy skin, red paws, licking, scratching, ear infections, hot spots, or irritated patches. There are many treatment options available, including newer anti-itch medications that may be safer and more effective for some pets. Addressing symptoms early can help prevent more serious infections.
Swimming can also contribute to ear and skin issues. After a swim in the pool, ocean, bay, or lake, rinse your dog with clean water and dry them well. A good-quality veterinary ear cleaner may help reduce the risk of ear infections. If your pet is prone to ear problems, ask your veterinarian whether a medicated ear cleaner could be beneficial.
Flea and tick prevention should also stay consistent. Fleas and ticks are common at the shore, especially in grassy, sandy, and wooded areas. And if your pet likes to swim, topical products can become less effective with frequent bathing or harsh soaps, so talk to your pet about oral preventative options!
Summer should be full of happy memories, not preventable emergencies. Before the fireworks begin, the heat climbs, or the travel bags are packed, take time to plan ahead!
For your summer pet care questions or appointments, contact Absecon Veterinary Hospital at 609-646-7013, visit abseconvet.com, or stop by 195 S. New Rd, Absecon, NJ 08201
