Summer Safety for Pets: July Tips from Five Star Veterinary Center in Springfield, IL

Summer is a season of sunshine, celebrations, and fun—but for our pets, it can also bring a number of hazards that every pet parent should be aware of. At Five Star Veterinary Center, we’re committed to helping you keep your furry family members healthy and happy year-round. July is a particularly important month to stay vigilant, with intense heat, fireworks, travel, and backyard cookouts all posing potential risks.

Here are our essential July tips to help your pets stay safe and comfortable during the hottest part of the year:

🧨 1. Fireworks and Anxiety: Protecting Your Pet During July 4th

While many of us look forward to fireworks on Independence Day, the noise and flashing lights can be terrifying for dogs and cats. Each year, shelters see an increase in runaway pets around the Fourth of July due to noise-related stress.

What you can do:

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks, preferably in a quiet room with closed windows and calming music or a fan running.

• Avoid leaving your pet alone during the evening hours—your presence can provide comfort.

• Consider safe calming aids. We offer vet-approved calming chews, pheromone sprays, or anxiety wraps that may help your pet cope with noise stress.

• If your pet suffers from severe anxiety, schedule a visit to discuss prescription options or create a custom anxiety plan.

Pro Tip: Make sure your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are up to date in case they get spooked and escape.

🌡️ 2. Heat Safety: Preventing Overheating and Heatstroke

Illinois summers can be sweltering, and pets are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Dogs and cats can’t sweat the way humans do, and breeds with short snouts (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians) are even more at risk.

Watch for signs of heat stress:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lethargy or disorientation

• Vomiting or collapse

Tips to stay cool:

• Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.

• Avoid hot pavement, which can burn paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.

• Provide constant access to fresh, cool water and shade.

• Never leave pets in a parked car—not even for a minute.

Emergency Reminder: If you suspect your pet is overheating, contact us immediately. Heatstroke can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes.

🍔 3. Summer Food Hazards: What’s Not Safe to Share

From backyard BBQs to family picnics, July is full of tempting treats—but many of the foods we enjoy can be dangerous for pets.

Common cookout dangers:

• Bones (especially cooked): Can splinter and cause internal injury.

• Fatty meats: May trigger pancreatitis.

• Corn cobs: A choking and blockage hazard.

• Onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, alcohol: Toxic to pets.

Even seemingly harmless scraps can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Make sure guests know not to feed your pet, and keep trash bags and food scraps out of reach.

🚗 4. Safe Travels: Preparing Your Pet for Summer Adventures

If you’re planning a road trip or family vacation, it’s important to make sure your pet is ready to travel too.

Pre-travel checklist:

• Schedule a check-up to ensure your pet is healthy for travel.

• Update vaccinations, especially if visiting boarding facilities or new environments.

• Make sure microchip and ID tag information is current.

• Bring familiar items like their bed, toys, and food bowls to reduce stress.

• Never let pets roam loose in the car—use a secure carrier or harness.

Not traveling? Consider pet-friendly staycation ideas like frozen treat puzzles, splash pools, or a shaded backyard picnic with safe pet snacks.

🐾 July Is Also a Great Time for a Mid-Year Wellness Check

Heat aside, July is an ideal time to reassess your pet’s health. From flea, tick, and heartworm prevention to dental care and weight management, we’re here to support your pet’s well-being.

Book your pet’s wellness visit today to stay ahead of seasonal risks and keep their care on track.

At Five Star Veterinary Center, we’re proud to offer Gold Standard care for every pet that walks through our doors. If you have questions or concerns about your pet this summer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate every season with confidence and care.