Summer is upon us, and we can bet that no one is more excited than your furry companion. For most pets, summer is the perfect time to be out and about, basking in the sun and playing on the beach.
While there is nothing wrong with taking your pooch for a swim or a hike, you should keep in mind that higher temperatures place your pet into a higher risk. It is hard for dogs to stay cool in the harsh sun, and the risks of heatstroke are especially high in the summer.
While cats tolerate heat better than dogs, there is no reason why your pooch can’t enjoy the warm summer season. Read on to learn some important tips on how to keep your kitty or pooch happy and healthy in the summer!
1. Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
You may think that leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes is not a big deal. But just imagine being left in a parking lot with no means of escape when a car heats up to over 100 degrees. That doesn’t sound fun, right?
Leaving your dog in the car is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in some states, and rightfully so! It takes minutes for a dog to develop a heatstroke and suffocate in a car! So, be a responsible owner and take your pet with you or leave him at home.
2. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Dehydration is a real danger for cats and dogs during summer! Dogs get much thirstier than we do during hot weather so make sure that there is fresh water nearby at all times.
When at home, keep your dog’s water dish clean and filled with fresh and cool water. You should also get a bottle and a Travel Bowl to keep your dog hydrated when you are out and about.
3. Keep Your Pet in Shade
While dogs and cats enjoy sunbathing, direct sunlight can easily overheat them and cause a heatstroke. That’s why you should keep your pet in shade as much as possible.
Instead of confining your dog inside the house, invest in an airy Outdoor Dog Tent that will serve as a cozy retreat. This way your pooch won’t miss on the action, and will at the same time have a shelter from strong sun rays.
4. Apply Sunscreen
You may find it strange, but like us, pets can also develop sunburns, especially those with a short and light coat. And you know how unpleasant and painful sunburns can get!
If you plan on spending a day out in the sun or on the beach with your pooch you will need an appropriate sunscreen. Apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours on sensitive areas like nose, ears, and belly, or other spots where your pooch has less hair. To ensure ultimate protection don’t use your sunscreen, instead get one that is specially designed for pets.
5. Think About Your Dog’s Paws
When the sun is high, surfaces like asphalt, cement, or metal can get really hot. Not only it can burn your dog’s paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating.
To avoid any injuries and discomfort, try to walk your dog in the shade or during early or later hours in the day when the heat isn’t so oppressive. As an alternative, you can also invest in doggy boots which will keep your pup’s paws protected at all times.
6. Keep Your Pet Cool
Dogs and cats don’t sweat as we do, they pant and drink water in order to cool down. However, longhaired cats and dogs will welcome any help they can get in order to stay cool during hot summer days.
You can try to spray your dog’s paws and stomach with water to cool him down more quickly. Or you can also use a wet towel to keep your pet comfortable. Start by rubbing your dog’s paws and belly, and only then his entire coat.
7. Keep Your Pooch Comfortable on Trips
Are you planning to take your dog on a vacation or a summer road trip? Traveling with a pet can turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan accordingly!
Besides taking frequent potty breaks and keeping your pooch safe in the car, you need to ensure that he is comfortable once you reach your final destination. A Waterproof Chill Pad can serve as your dog’s bed no matter where you are and you can easily set it up in a hotel room, RV, or in a camping tent.
8. Don’t Shave Your Pet
You may think that shaving your dog will help him stay cool during the summer, but that isn’t the case. In fact, the hair keeps your dog cool in the summer and warm during the winter. However, you can still give your dog a trim in the summer, just don’t overdo it.
If you decide to give your pooch a trim, make sure that you leave a full inch of hair to protect his skin from sunburns. You shouldn’t worry about a shorthaired dog or a cat, but if you own a Poodle or a Bichon you should stick to your regular grooming schedule regardless of the season.
9. Keep Your Dog Close By
You would think that summer is an excellent time to let your dog off the leash to run and explore new sights and smells. This is a sound plan in theory, but in reality, most dogs get too excited and distracted by unfamiliar smells that they can easily run off and become dehydrated.
To ensure that you have your dog’s undivided attention, pack his favorite treats into a Training Pouch. This way, you can distract your pooch from running off and entice him to come back to you every time it seems he is going to bolt.
10. Keep Parasites at Bay
The biggest downside of warmer weather is that parasites are almost everywhere. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes carry a host of diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever that put your pet in danger. You should also remember that these diseases affect people as well!
The good news is, that all of these blood sucking-parasites are easily avoidable with the right flea and tick collar treatment! If you aren’t sure what type of protection will work best for your kitty or pooch, talk with your vet. He will be able to recommend an effective treatment or even administer it on the spot!
Conclusion
Summer may be yours and your pet’s favorite season but higher temperatures also mean a higher risk for your furry companion. Without proper precautions, your pet is in danger of overheating, heatstroke, skin injuries and life-threatening diseases.
Cats and dogs don’t sweat the same way we do and can have troubles regulating their body temperature in extreme heat. Hence, it is extremely important to keep your pet hydrated and away from the sun in the hottest parts of the day.
And with our tips in mind, there is no doubt that your pet will stay safe and healthy through this summer and enjoy many more by your side!
