Summer is a season of fun and frolic – with plenty of sunshine, outdoor activities, and quality time with our furry companion. However, as the mercury rises, we must be mindful of how the high temperatures affect our pet’s health and well-being. From heatstroke to dehydration, several risks come with summer for our four-legged friends.
But fret not! We can keep our pets happy, healthy, and safe during the hot summer with simple precautions and extra attention to their needs. So buckle up as we share some essential tips on making this summer memorable for all the right reasons!
Understand the Risks of Hot Weather for Pets
Hot weather can be dangerous for pets, especially if unprepared. Pets not accustomed to hot weather may pant or sweat excessively, which can lead to dehydration or heat stroke.
Pets also need shade and fresh water to stay safe during summer. Ensure our pets have access to a shady spot and plenty of fresh water throughout the day, even if we’re only away for short periods. Keep our pet inside when it is hottest outside.
If our pet is prone to getting sick in hot weather, bring some extra supplies, such as antibiotics or antipyretics. Be aware of the dangers of hot weather when planning our summer vacation, and ensure our pet is prepared for the heat.
Provide Ample Shade and Cool Areas
Summertime is a busy time for most people, but it can be especially hectic for pet owners. Making sure our furry friend stays safe and healthy during the hot summer months is essential.
Provide ample shade and cool areas for our pets. This will help them stay hydrated and avoid overheating. Make sure our pets have plenty of fresh water and appropriate food. Giving our pets a lot of water or food early in the day can prevent them from being overly thirsty or hungry later.
Make sure they have a comfortable place to sleep, even if we’re away all day long. Pets can get anxious if they’re cooped up, so provide them with enough toys and chewable items to keep them occupied.
Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car
There’s no question that summertime is the season for enjoying outdoor activities with our pets. However, we can do a few things to ensure our furry friend stays safe while we’re out and about.
Never leave our pets in a parked car. Extreme heat can quickly cook or suffocate our pets even if the windows are rolled up. Instead, bring them along in a carry case or carrier that we can put in the trunk or backseat of our car. And always keep an eye on them – even when they’re inside the car! – and make sure they don’t get too hot or cold.
Another thing to remember during the summer months is to avoid leaving our unattended pet outside at any time. Not only is this dangerous for both of us, but it also exposes pets to wildlife dangers and theft.
Consider a Summer Haircut
Summertime is a great time to get our pet’s hair cut! Not only will their hair look better, but they’ll also be more comfortable in the summer heat.
Here are some tips to help keep our pet safe during the summer months:
- Have their hair cut by a professional. Many people do their own pets’ haircuts at home; however, this can be very dangerous because pets have sharp claws and teeth that can easily cause severe injuries if they get caught in the blade of the scissors or fall off the chair while we’re cutting their hair. A professional haircut will be much safer for our pets.
- Only allow trusted individuals to handle our pet’s hair. If we decide to do our pet’s haircut at home, ensure that we have someone around to help quickly grab them if they become alarmed or fearful. If we don’t have anyone around to help, try to restrain our pet in a safe place before starting the haircut so that they don’t escape and get injured.
- Bring plenty of water for our pet during the haircutting process. Pets tend to get thirsty during haircuts, so ensure we have plenty of water available when it’s time for their appointment.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on our pet’s coat during a summer haircut. Many people use hair-removal products such as Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCA) or hydroquinone on their pets’ coats during the summer months to remove the built-up shedding. However, these chemicals can be very harsh and cause skin irritation, lesions, or cancer. If we decide to use a hair-removal product on our pet this summer, use a gentle option that is safe for their coat.
Have an Emergency Plan in Case of Extreme Heat
Summertime can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors with our pets, but it can also be dangerous for them if the weather is too hot.
- Make sure we have an emergency plan in case of extreme heat and keep our pet safe by following these tips:
- Make sure our pet has plenty of water and shade. They’ll get thirsty and hot if they stay in the sun for long periods. Give them a drink often and find places to take them that will provide some shade.
- Keep our pets awa from high-traffic areas and busy streets. Pets are more likely to be accidents on busy roads, so keep them safe by keeping them out of the way.
- Be aware of their behaviour during periods of extreme heat. If our pet starts to become restless or aggressive, take note and make sure they’re getting enough water and shade. If their behaviour becomes unmanageable, contact a vet or animal shelter immediately.
- Make sure we know what signs to look for if our pet suffers from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These include panting heavily; excessive drool; vomiting; diarrhoea; excessive thirst; seizures; coma; death within 10 minutes after exposure to heat stress levels above 38℃ (100℉). If we see any of these signs in our pet, we immediately take them to the veterinarian.
Keep Our Pets Cool and Safe During Summer
Keeping our pet safe during the hot summer months is essential; we can do a few things to help. First of all, make sure that they have plenty of water and shady places to stay cool. If they get too thirsty or overheated, they could become agitated and destructive.
Also, keep their food fresh and give them plenty of shade to eat if necessary. And lastly, always keep an eye on them when necessary – the odds are good that something will happen in this heat!