Summer is a great time for pets, with activities like hiking, swimming, and playing in the sunshine made even better by our furry friends. But hot weather can quickly become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for animals, increasing the risk of dehydration, burnt paws, and even heatstroke. To ensure their well-being throughout the warmer months, here are some essential tips to help your four-legged companions stay safe, cool and comfortable:
1. Always Provide Fresh Water
Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water. On walks and outings, bring a portable water bottle and bowl for your pet to ensure they stay hydrated.
2. Adjust their Routine
On hot days, avoid mid-day walks when the temps are peaking. Instead, exercise your pets in the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Additionally, feed them smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overheating.
3. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can save your pet’s life. Look out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, sluggishness, and uncoordinated movements. If you think your pet has heatstroke, get them to a cool spot, give them water, and call your vet right away.
3. Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car
Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and be fatal to pets. If you need to run errands, leave your pets at home where it’s cool.
4. Protect their Paws
High summer temperatures can make asphalt dangerously hot for your pet’s paws, even if the weather feels pleasant to you. The ground can be much warmer than the surrounding air, posing a risk of burns to your furry friend. To test the asphalt, touch the pavement with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you to keep your hand there for the full time, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
5. Provide Shade and Cool Areas
Make sure your pets have a shady spot to relax when outside. Cooling mats, wet towels, or fans can also help keep your pet comfortable in the heat.
6. Prevent Sunburn
Apply pet-safe sunscreen on areas with thin fur or no fur, like the nose, ears, and belly. And try to keep pets out of direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
7. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can save your pet’s life. Look out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, sluggishness, and uncoordinated movements. If you think your pet has heatstroke, get them to a cool spot, give them water, and call your vet right away.
8. Regular Grooming
Keep up with brushing to remove excess fur and prevent matting, but don’t shave them completely—a bit of fur helps protect against the sun.
These tips can help ensure your pets beat the heat and stay safe, healthy, and comfortable this summer. Stay cool out there!
