To protect your furry companion during hot weather, you must be aware of the risks that come along with it. While summer is a great time to enjoy iced popsicles and late night strolls, our dogs and cats are susceptible to sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke when the temperature scale goes up. In this blog post, we have listed top seven summer tips for pets that will help you keep your best friend cool, safe, and comfortable. Read on to learn more.
#1 Keep your pet hydrated.
Dehydration can be dangerous for your pet’s health. To keep your pet well-hydrated, provide them with cool and fresh water at all times. You can also boost hydration by encouraging them to drink more water by investing in water fountains, giving them iced cubes to chew on, or offering them with treats made of frozen cubes of their favorite fruits.
#2 Protect your pet’s paws.
Your pet’s paws are one of the most sensitive parts of their body. Since they are always in contact with the surfaces, heating up of paws can quickly rise their body temperature. You can keep your dog’s paws safe with dog boots while going out and taking care of them by applying a paw balm regularly.
#3 Don’t leave them in a car.
Never leave your pet in a parked car alone, especially during the summer. Temperatures inside enclosed spaces like cars can rise quickly, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and even more serious consequences. Remember, keeping your pet in a car parked in a shaded or cool place is also not an option.
#4 SPF is important.
Pets are likely to get sunburns, especially the ones who have hairless coats or light colored coats. It is always recommended to apply a pet sunscreen with SPF 15 or to your dog’s coat, especially while going out in the sun. Ensure to buy the one that is labeled as sunscreen for dogs, as the other might have ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
#5 Bath them regularly.
Summer is the perfect time to take a dip, whether in a swimming pool or in your bath tub. Bathe your pet with good pet shampoos like Dorwest Scent & Shine Shampoo or Paw 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo at least once a week to keep their fur clean, fresh, and fragrant.
#6 Limit outdoor time.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat to cool their bodies off, so it becomes difficult for them to maintain their body temperatures during the summer. Therefore, limit your dog’s outdoor time and plan their walks early in the morning or after the sun sets. If your pet loves to spend time in your backyard, provide them with a shade or a cool, comfortable place to rest.
#7 Check your pet daily for fleas and ticks.
Summer is the peak season for the outbreak of parasites like fleas and ticks. You can prevent these nasty pests from infesting your dog by doing daily checks. Keep them active on any of the effective flea and tick prevention treatments that are designed to knock these parasites off.
Final Words
We hope these tips will help you and your pet beat the heat this summer. If you notice any symptoms of dehydration or heat stress, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Enjoy the summer and make a zillion of memories with your furry companion!
