Tag Archives: summer heat pet safety tips

by | June 9, 2021 · 7:55 am

Keep Cool! How to Protect Your Pets This Summer

Bring on summer! What activity does your pet like best? Maybe it’s the simple pleasure of rolling around blissfully in the grass, leaping into the air to capture a Frisbee in his teeth, or sprinting after a neon yellow tennis ball. Soak up the fun, but keep these summer pet safety tips in mind.

We’re Having a Heat Wave
Though a walk around the neighborhood can be relaxing for you and your pet, common sense dictates that it’s not always a possibility in the summer. Avoid the midday swelter, and opt for early morning or late evening strolls. Shorten your walk when necessary, and keep your pup hydrated. Remember that your pet’s feet aren’t protected by sneakers, so lead him away from scorching pavement that can burn his paw pads. In addition, never leave your pet alone in a parked car.

“Paws” at the Pool
Splashing around poolside or taking a dip in the cool water might be the epitome of summer fun for you, but not necessarily for your pet. When possible, teach your dog to swim and consider outfitting him in a bright life vest. Even if your pet is wearing a life vest, stay vigilant.

Keep your furry pal from drinking chlorinated water, especially large amounts. The AKC recommends that you rinse him off after he exits the pool and dab his ears with a dry towel. Remember that pool-time might be a challenge for puppies, short-legged dogs, arthritic or debilitated pets, and pups with vision loss, so consider spending quality time indoors.

Chemical Reaction
While you’re slathering yourself in sunscreen, keep in mind that the common zinc oxide formulation is only intended for you, the pet parent. PetMD recommends that you protect Fido’s ear tips and nose with a pet-safe sunscreen created specifically for dogs.

Where, Oh Where, Can He Be?
Summer brings with it all sorts of curiosities and even a few scares for your pet. Even calm pets might scamper after a taunting squirrel, or flee after a bout of thunder or fireworks. Bring your pet indoors before stormy weather or a pyrotechnic display that might cause him discomfort. Make sure his ID tags and microchip information are up to date.

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by | July 8, 2020 · 7:55 am

July Is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

It seems fitting that July is National Pet Hydration Month—we humans are trying to stay hydrated and cool this month too! Whether your pet is soaking up the summer outdoors or chilling indoors with the A/C, hydration is key. 

First of all, how much water does your pet need each day? According to PetMD, your pet needs about a half ounce to one full ounce of water per pound of body weight. As you might expect, large pets will need more water than small ones, and dogs will drink more water than cats. 

To ensure that your pet gets its daily H2O, PetMD recommends providing fresh, clean water that’s easily accessible, supplying multiple water bowls if you’re a multi-pet family, and keeping the water bowl away from noisy areas if your pet seems skittish. 

If you and your dog are out exercising, remember to stop for water breaks, especially if you notice that your dog is panting hard. PetMD recommends providing enough water to quench your pet’s thirst but not allowing large gulps that could lead to stomach upset.

Have a safe (and hydrated) July with your pet!

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by | May 13, 2020 · 7:55 am

How to Safely Exercise Your Dog in Warmer Weather

As the warmer weather rolls in, you want to get outside and enjoy it. Of course, you love taking Fido with you! Just remember that while you can shed the layers of clothing you’ve bundled up in all winter, your dog doesn’t have that same advantage. Here are some tips from the ASPCA for exercising with your pet under a summer sun:

• Keep a close eye on your canine companion. If your pet seems tired and doesn’t want to continue exercising, don’t force her, and make sure she gets plenty of fresh, clean water.

• Watch for symptoms of overheating. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat, and they’re much closer to the hot pavement. If your pet is panting more than usual or having difficulty breathing, let him rest in the shade for a while.

• Stay indoors during the heat of the day. Exercise during the cooler times of the day for your dog’s comfort, such as around dawn, dusk, or in the evening.

• Swimming unsupervised isn’t safe. Not all pups can swim, so don’t leave your pet unattended around large bodies of water. If you’re out on a boat or in a deep pool, get her a life vest to ensure her safety.

• A dog’s fur helps regulate body temperature. Even if your dog has long hair, don’t just shave it off. His fur coat has layers to it, and removing them makes it more difficult for him to stay cool during the hot days and could lead to a painful sunburn.

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by | July 23, 2014 · 8:00 am

Summer Heat Pet Safety Tips

As the blistering sun beats down, your clothing clings to your body, your sunglasses aren’t quite adequate, and you long for a cool blast of A/C. Sound familiar? Those boiling, sticky days of summer can be tough on us – and equally challenging for pets. Your favorite furry pal will be relying on you to keep him comfortable as the temperature climbs, so keep these summer pet safety tips in mind.

Parking Restrictions

You know the dangers of leaving children in parked cars, especially on hot days – the same goes for pets. Resist the temptation to leave your pet inside, no matter how quick you think that errand might be. According to the Humane Society, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows opened slightly.

Exercise Care

Though exercise is undoubtedly important for your pet, it can do more harm than good on hot days. Limit your pet’s exercise on sweltering days, and consider spending that quality time together in the early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures aren’t extreme. The Humane Society recommends adjusting the intensity and duration of the exercise according to the temperature. Remember that asphalt will be scorching on summer days, so have some sympathy for your pet’s paws, and let your buddy romp on the grass when possible. Keep plenty of water on hand as well to prevent dehydration.

Invitation to Party?

You might want your loyal pal to be your “plus one” at pool parties and summer gatherings, but be ready to keep an eye on him. Never leave your pet unsupervised around water, and try to keep him from drinking the water. The ASPCA warns that pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can upset your pet’s stomach. And speaking of your pet’s tummy, remember that “people food” may give him digestive trouble. The ASPCA recommends keeping alcohol, raisins, grapes, onions, and chocolate away from your pet.

Window to the World

Ahhh… You and your pet are safely inside. Maybe you’ve opened a window if there’s a break in the heat – but don’t relax quite yet. Your curious pets, especially cats, can be seriously injured if they fall out of an open window. The ASPCA recommends a common-sense approach: Keep unscreened windows closed, and make sure screened windows are properly secured.

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