Tips to keep your pet safe this summer
From concerts to fireworks to food truck rallies, there's no shortage of things to do in the summer. Even better, more and more events are pet-friendly.
Here are some tips from Petplan, based on its 2016 claims data, to keep your dog safe and happy, and save you from unexpected veterinarian bills.1.First thing's first.Don't leave home without the following: a 4-foot leash (not retractable), portable water dish and water, pet formulated sunscreen, ID tag with your cellphone number and poo bags.2.Parked cars and sunshine.Even on mild days your car gets hot, which can turn fatal in as little as 15 minutes. Never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows cracked. When outside and temperatures are peaking, take frequent breaks in the shade. It's also a good idea to bring along a spray bottle so you can deliver a cooling spritz whenever your dog needs it. Costs to treat heat stroke average $2,615.3.Food trucks and beer tents.Nothing refreshes like a cold beer on a hot day, and when out and about food trucks can stave off hunger. But never share your brew with your bud and watch out for that delicious food. Alcohol is toxic to pets, even in seemingly "harmless" amounts, while bones, cobs and greasy fats can cause issues as well. Pack fresh veggies for a healthy treat. Poisoning from food or additives average $830.4.Your trash is a dog's treasure.Fairgrounds are a smorgasbord of dropped food and wrappers, so you've got to think one step ahead of your pet! To prevent accidental snacking, use a Gentle Leader to control roving noses. Pancreatitis can be the result from certain foods and that averages $1,524, while foreign body ingestions are an average of $1,872 to treat.5.Other dogs.It's always fun to make new friends, but remember that dogs can easily become overstimulated in a busy environment. Keep meetings with other animals brief, and if you see either pet stiffen, growl or give a hard stare or side eye, end the introduction and take a time out. Dog bite treatments average $947 to treat.6.Children.The youngest among us can be unpredictable, loud and unaware of how to properly approach a dog. Small children who are running around can activate your dog's instinct to chase. Give your pup space from playing children so he doesn't perceive them as a threat. Anxiety treatment for your pet is an average cost of $394.7.Fireworks and music.Both are summertime favorites - but your dog may not always enjoy them. Avoid events with explosives and loud music if your pup suffers from noise phobias (if he doesn't like thunderstorms, that's a good clue). If your pup is trembling, barking, cowering or trying to bolt, he may not be ready to rock 'n' roll or stick around for the fireworks. If you do bring your pet to a festival, hold on tight to his leash; a startled pup may try to bolt from the blast, and you don't want to lose your dog in the crowd. Noise phobia can lead to erratic behavior that could lead to cut paw pads ($456 average), busted lips ($540) and even fractures ($1,175), not to mention possibly losing your dog if they run off (priceless).8.Campfires.A crackling campfire feels quintessentially summer, but can tempt curious noses and cause accidental burns. Keep furry friends a safe distance from the flames. If you're making s'mores be sure chocolate, wrappers and roasting sticks don't fall into the wrong paws. The average cost to treat a burn is $1,027.9.Puddles.If a "rain or shine" event turns soupy and soggy, be sure to keep your dog from drinking from puddles. Leptospirosis and giardia lurk in standing water, and can cause nasty illnesses that will rain on your parade. Treatments for Leptospirosis or giardia cost on average $4,012 to treat.10.Crowds.Unfortunately, there may be times when furry festivalgoers behave better than two-legged guests. Stay away from rowdy crowds and avoid letting intoxicated people hound your dog. Injuries like laceration, bruises, broken bones and cruciate injuries can range on an average from $641-$3,569.