Summer is the best season for getting outside and enjoying long days of sunshine and there’s nothing greater than bringing your pet along for some exercise. While playing outside can be a blast for you and your pup and letting your cat lounge on the porch can be just the kind of sunbathing that they’re looking for, the heat can quickly become dangerous for your pet.
Since your pet won’t know when it’s time to go inside or how to best take care of themselves in the summer, it’s important that you take the proper precautions to keep them safe and sound all season long. Here are our top four summer safety tips for your pet.
Make sure there are plenty of opportunities to escape the sun’s rays
One of the best ways to keep your pet safe this summer is to make sure there’s plenty of shade available. The Humane Society states that any time your pet is outside, it’s important to ensure they have protection from heat and sun. One of the best ways is to take advantage of tree shade and tarps because they don’t obstruct air flow. While shade is important, if the shelter restricts airflow (like a doghouse), it could be even more dangerous as it traps heat.
Always have cold fresh water available
Staying hydrated is critical to help avoid overheating on hot summer days and fresh, cold water is the best option for pets. In heat waves, you may even consider adding ice to the water to keep it cooler for a while. The water available to your pet should always be easy to find, clean, and fresh so they can hydrate with ease. If you’re going on a long walk, make sure to bring it with you and stop frequently for water breaks.
When in doubt, stay indoors
While exercise outside can be a blast for you and your pet, if the weather is too hot for you it’s a safe bet that they should avoid being outside too. While it’s likely you don’t have as much space inside your home to run around as your neighborhood park does, staying cool and playing inside is a much better alternative for everyone.
If you can’t avoid going outside with your pet on those scorching hot days, try to limit the amount of time spent outdoors as well as any exercise to avoid overheating. It’s also a good idea to take walks during the cooler hours of the day like early morning and later at night and to avoid walking on hot surfaces that could easily burn your dog’s paws.
Keep an eye on food outdoors, especially at BBQs and picnics
Eating outside can be a blast for the whole family, and many people love to head outdoors on warm summer days to enjoy a picnic lunch or barbeque. Since picnics, patios, and porches are great places to enjoy a meal, they are not as familiar to us as our kitchens and dining rooms and therefore we may not be as aware of where we leave food.
Pups are notorious for sniffing out the good stuff, and while a few things we eat can be good for your pet, you will want to be the judge of that rather than stumbling upon them eating what they shouldn’t. It’s important to keep things like alcoholic beverages and any snacks away from your pet so they stay safe while enjoying the time spent outside with you!
In addition to these top tips and tricks to keeping your pet safe this summer, the AVMA also says to never leave your dog in the car, and keep your dog free of external parasites and heartworms (make sure to consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet). If you or someone you know is looking to schedule an appointment with the Bregman Veterinary Group for your new pet or are moving into the area and are looking for a new veterinarian, click here to get started!
