When the summer months arrive, it’s a great time to spend time with your family and friends, but it’s also a season when you want to be outdoors with your pets. However, you need to be aware of how to keep them safe because temperatures this summer have been high, and they can take their toll. When this happens, your dog can get overly hot and then get sick. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on what to do. So check out these tips on how to keep your buddies safe and sound!
The hottest part of the day is usually right before midday and for a couple of hours afterward. During this time, the asphalt can be incredibly damaging and even burn your pet to the point where they need medical attention. So, if you do make the choice to take them outside, be sure that they have access to shady areas and places where they can go inside if it gets too hot. It will help them from getting overheated.
Keep in mind that it can get hot inside, too, so you’ll need to keep their water bowls full, sponge them with water if needed, and keep the house cool with fans or the air conditioner.
We’ve all heard the debate about shaving your dogs or cats in the summer and whether it will make a difference. Many dogs and cats in the summer can have mites and other issues along with bugs and dead skin or hair. If you decide not to shave them, trim their nails regularly and bathe them. Another thing you should focus on is the ears. When it comes to the ears, this is an area of pets that can be neglected, and it shouldn’t be because bugs can also make a home there. If your pet has dirty-looking ears or looks inflamed, you must see your vet for a good cleaning.
In the summer, it’s easier than you think for your pet to get overheated, and when that happens, they can also get tired and have other illnesses. In the worst scenarios, you could see your pet having a stroke. Like people, they need water to stay hydrated and to keep cool. A trick that my husband and I do is to bring a bag with us when we go out; I put a bowl and cold water inside and then have water on hand. If you’re worried about your bag getting wet, bring a rag or cloth, and you have no worries. Be sure to stop often and make sure you’re giving your pet enough.
You should never leave a pet in a hot car. On a hot or even mildly hot day, the temperature inside your vehicle will be hotter. It only takes a handful of minutes for the temperature to rise in the car and potentially kill your pet. You might think they will be okay if you just run in and out, but that isn’t the case. It takes far less than you feel for your pet to get hurt by the hot temperatures they’ll face.
It’s also a good idea to travel with sunshades when driving. Not only do they keep your pet cool, but they are also fun for kids because of how the world looks through them ( I distinctly remember being on a car ride and having fun trying to peek through the ones my nana had or trying to peek around them).
It would be best to avoid collars and leads that are too restricting. They shouldn’t be loose enough for your pet to run off, but they also shouldn’t be tight enough to press on airways, stopping the body from cooling down properly.
Over-exercising is another issue that people may need to realize is happening. Suppose an animal is overheated, and you have them exercising. In that case, this can lead to heat stroke and other complications because their body is being pushed too hard and can’t control the temperature correctly.
Love Your Pet, Keep Them Cool
Our pets give us so much unconditional love, and we give it back. During the summer months, when it gets hotter and hotter, we have to be their mamas and daddies and keep them safe. Keep them nice and cool with our tips wherever you are or what you’re doing. Above all, have fun!
Jenifer Dale is a writer that has a passion for reading and helping others. When she is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.