Getting Real with Shadra Bruce
Here in New York, we seemed to go from snow on the ground to 80 degree days overnight. It’s hot. And I don’t like being hot. But I do like being safe. These summer safety tips can help you keep your family (and your pets) safe this summer.
Summer Safety Tips for Kids
Summer Safety Tips for Everyone
When the temperature soars and humidity rises,take precautions to avoid dangerous health consequences such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and overexposure to the sun. Everyone is at risk.
Protect yourself from the sun.
Limit mid-day exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., wear sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of the UV radiation, wear a hat, and wear protective clothing. Be sure to apply sunscreen lotion of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30 to exposed areas. Listen for the UV Index forecast in your local weather forecast.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
Summer Safety Tips for Dogs
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. Consider filling a child’s wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in. Never leave your pet where they only have concrete to walk on; the concrete will get hot enough to blister their paws.
- Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
- Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.
- Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog’s paws.
- Dogs that are (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your dog inside with air-conditioning.
Common sense is really all it takes to have a safe and fun summer, but these summer safety tips can help.
*I’m not a medical doctor, these are just suggestions. Please seek your own medical advice if you are worried about your health and summer safety.
Excellent post; just wanted to add one reminder that summer is the time when insects have their ‘annual feast’. So, always have repellents and after bite treatments handy. That’s also the time to protect your dog from the nasty mosquitoes and ticks.
Valentine,
Your input is always so valuable! What a great thing to remember. This year has been particularly bad in New York for mosquitoes because it has been so wet. Thanks!
~Shadra