From fireworks to allergies, summertime stressors are here
By MWI Animal Health

Most of the summertime stressors that pets could experience can be reduced or eliminated with pet parent education. To support conversations with your clients about how to keep their pets safe and happy this summer, here is a list of summertime stressors and what precautions can be taken to help keep pets healthy all summer long.
Loud noises
Loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms can cause a pet to bolt. Keep pets away from fireworks. Not only are they too loud, but they can also cause burns, irritate or even poison them. It is best to keep a pet in a secure, quiet, escape proof area of the home. Offer calming products to lower their levels of anxiety.
Lost pets
Pet parents should be mindful of where their pet is at all times especially if they’re party or even just relaxing outside. Keep pets in safe, quiet, cool place to prevent unwanted escapes if they become scared or overly anxiously. Suggest micro chipping so the pet can be tracked down easily if they wander off or bolt.
Digestive problems
Remind clients that human treats are not necessarily good for pets and can cause serious injury and illness. Try to keep pets away from people food during outdoor gatherings like BBQs and picnics.
Heat stroke
Keep the pet hydrated and in a cool or shady (if outside) environment. Remind pet parents to never, never leave them in a car.
Sunburn/paw burn
Remind pet parents that they should avoid peak hours (10am-2pm) when the pavement and the sun is the hottest, apply pet sunscreen, and keep the pet hydrated and in a cool environment.
Allergic reactions to insect stings and bites
Advise clients to make sure pets are up-to-date on their preventatives. Clients should be aware of bites and stings, watch for increased swelling and itching, and bring in their pet for treatment before symptoms worsen and complications arise.
Snake bites
When out in the wilderness running, hiking, camping, or picnicking, pet parents should make sure to keep pets on the trail and not allow them to wander off where they could get into trouble with venomous creatures.
Water/swimming
Clients should provide plenty of fresh water for their pet so they don’t drink the river, pond, ocean, or pool water. Suggest they use a flotation device, just in case, and rinse their pet down after a swim so that chlorine or salt doesn’t irritate their skin.
Pet parent stressors and three solutions that can help
Telehealth and remote monitoring
Hands-free payment plans for curbside service
Preventative health care plans