WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sherbrook Animal Hospital has released important summer pet safety information. The veterinary team reminds people that closed vehicles can become much hotter than the outdoor air, so pets must never be left inside them unattended.

Many summer-related pet health tips will mention keeping animals out of closed vehicles during the day, but it turns out that there are many other hazards that pet owners need to watch out for as well. Hot pavement, for example, can burn the feet of both dogs and cats. This is also true of the beds of pickup trucks.

Another important hazard is fireworks. Pet owners should always be sure that their animals are out of the way of the flashy explosives and that they don't come back to sniff the launchers before they cool. Pets who are startled by the sounds may run off and become lost.

"One thing that shocks many people is that not all dogs can swim. Though there is a 'swimming instinct' that many possess, some canines lack it. Rather than find out if a dog can swim the hard way, pet owners should outfit their companions with dog life jackets when taking them on boats. Even good swimmers will eventually get exhausted and drown if they can't get back out of the water," said Dr. Harvinder Hirkewal, veterinarian and owner of Sherbrook Animal Hospital.

The hospital also recommends that pest control be stepped up during the summer months. Prevention is considered to be the best solution, and long-lasting medications are available to prevent infestation of fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites. Existing flea infestations should be taken care of with external pest-killing products.

These are just a few of the many things pet owners should be on the lookout for this summer. To learn more, readers should contact a Winnipeg veterinarian.

About Sherbrook Animal Hospital

Sherbrook Animal Hospital is owned by Dr. Harvinder Hirkewal, who actively practices at the hospital. Its skilled staff provides routine veterinary care and wellness packages to pets in the Winnipeg area.

Visit the website at http://sherbrookanimalhospital.com/ for additional information.

Sherbrook Animal Hospital
399 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2W7
(204) 774-3544