Don’t let the dog days of summer get you down! We’ve created a Facebook album of some of our favorite photos of summer-loving pets, sent to us by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance pet parents. Take a look on our Facebook page, and like us if you haven’t already!

Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

We asked you a couple weeks ago for photos of your pets having fun in the sun. We were hoping to run the photos over Labor Day weekend, but we’ve gotten so many, we’ll be posting them to the blog for the rest of this summer!

Amari K. submitted this photo of Frodo and Bilbo on an outdoor adventure. The well-dressed dogs, Amari told us, were “taking a break after a long walk on their favorite place, the big rocks.”

Keep watching this space for your photos of your pets, and feel free to email me about how you and your furry friends are enjoying the summer!

Because cats love to lie and sleep next to windows, pet parents who open their windows in the summer should make sure all window screens are secure.

In our August newsletter and a recent blog post, we offered some advice to avoid heatstroke and keep your pet healthy during the “dog days” of summer. Here are some more tips to help you and your pet enjoy the rest of the summer safely.

Prevent High-Rise Syndrome

In the warmer months, the ASPCA reports an increase in animals who get hurt after falling out of windows or escaping through open doors. You can help prevent what’s known as “High-Rise Syndrome” by keeping unscreened windows and doors closed, and making sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

Keep Summer Poisons Out of Reach

Summer products like insecticides, sunscreen, pool and spa chemicals, and citronella candles should all be kept safely away from your pet. If your pet is exposed to poison, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may apply, but 80% is covered by our plans.

Watch for Summer Dangers

There are plenty of other potential summer dangers you can look out for. For instance, be sure to keep an eye on your pet around pools, even if you think he or she is a good swimmer. Pets can also be scared or injured by fireworks, so leave your pet home if you know they’ll be set off at a party or festival.

If your pet does get hurt or sick in the last stretch of summer, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance can help you cover the costs of treatment. Get a quote to learn more now, or if you’re a customer, you can view your plan online.

All that hair’s got to go somewhere. This time of year, the fur is likely flying in your home.

The end of summer can bring some hot and sultry days, so we’ve put together some tips to keep your pet healthy when the temperature rises.

1. Keep your pet cool and hydrated.
Dogs and cats can suffer from heatstroke and dehydration just like you, so do your best to keep your pet cool and hydrated in high temperatures. For instance, make sure your pet always has plenty of fresh water and leave an air conditioner or fan on if your pet is home alone.

Look out for signs of overheating, like difficulty breathing, weakness, or stupor.  Also, watch for symptoms of dehydration, like sunken eyes, lethargy, or appetite loss. If you notice any problems, call your veterinarian.
 
2. Exercise your furry friend.
Don’t let summer heat stop you from giving your pet needed exercise. Sedentary pets can put on weight and get bored or frustrated. You can still walk or play outside, but consider limiting outdoor time to mornings or evenings when it’s cooler. You can also play fun indoor games, like chase or fetch.

3. Visit the veterinarian.
Have you taken your pet to the veterinarian this year? The ASPCA recommends an annual visit in the spring or early summer, but it’s not too late. Checkups can help detect health issues early. Also, ask your veterinarian about preventing heartworm, which can be passed to dogs and cats by infected mosquitoes.

Keep in mind that Levels 3 and 4 of our plans cover wellness care, like an annual exam. Also, treatment for heatstroke or dehydration is covered by all of our plans.

Learn about High-Rise Syndrome and find hot weather tips at the ASPCA's website.