Summer is a great time to bond with your pets. There are lots of opportunities to play outdoors and enjoy the beach. However, summer also means higher temperatures that may come with dangerous risks for your fur babies. Keep them safe and cool with these hot summer safety tips for pets.
Summer Safety Tips For Pets You Should Follow
KeepThem Hydrated
Just like us, our pets become thirstier when they get hot. Without ample fluids in their body, dehydration can occur, and this can be very dangerous. Signs of dehydration to look out for are excessive drooling, lethargy and dry gums.
Refill your pets’ water bowl more often than usual. You can even add ice cubes to make the water colder. When you’re out walking your dog or at the beach, bring some extra water with you and offer them fluid continually to avoid dehydration.
Apply Sun Protection
Yes, sunscreen is not just for us; your pets need them too, especially for those with short or light hair coat. Pets can also get sunburnt, which is extremely painful and can lead to skin cancer. Apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to the thinnest part of their coats and make sure to use sunscreens specifically made for pets.
Avoid Leaving Your Pet In A “Hot Car”
Even with the window cracked open, your car can heat up to temperatures over 37°! It can take less than 10 minutes to develop heatstroke in cats and dogs. Even if it’s for a few minutes, take your pet out with you to avoid overheating.
Exercise/Walk During Cooler Hours
Exercise is essential whatever the season, but during the summer, try getting your walks in during the early mornings or late evenings. The middle of the day is just too hot to walk around even if you have plenty of shade.
Keep Your Puppy’s Paws Cool
Pets cool and heat from the bottom up. When you’re out, try to keep them off hot surfaces like concrete, cement, asphalt or metal. It can burn their paws, increase their body temperature and may even lead to overheating. You can opt to use dog pads and dog shoes that not only prevent burns and blisters but also look very fashionable.
Related Article: How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws This Summer
Know The Signs
Pets can quickly become overheated because they don’t sweat in the same way that humans do. A dog’s average temperature is between 37-39 degrees, while a cat’s ranges from 38-39 degrees.
Signs of Overheating/Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy panting
- Thick drool
- Dry or bright red gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Wobbly legs
What To Do:
- Give them water.
- Put a damp towel over their body.
- Move to a colder area.
- DO NOT put them in cold water as this can put them in shock.
- Call your veterinarian.
Follow these summer safety tips for pets and enjoy the rest of the summer months!
For more tips about keeping your pets safe, read our BLOGS.
