There’s nothing like having an ice cold drink in your hand and sitting by a pool or beach during the summer time! The warmer weather brings new opportunities for fun and adventure, but as the temperatures rise higher, so does the safety risk for you and your pet. Your friends at Woofie’s have put together these reminders to keep your pet safe during the summer months so you can enjoy the weather together with a peace of mind.
Avoid Hot Cars and Other Enclosed Spaces
The same rule of thumb for children rings true for pets: it's never okay to leave your fur baby alone and unattended in a hot car. If you want to bring your pet along with you for a fun summer adventure, plan ahead and make sure where you are going is pet friendly so you do not have to leave them alone in a hot, parked car.
Be mindful of other enclosed spaces your pet hangs out in as well that are not normally air conditioned and could be potentially dangerous, such as a garage. It's wise to have a shaded space your pet can take refuge in from the hot outdoors, but make sure there is plenty of airflow for them so that it's not suffocating during the hot weather.
Boost Up the Water Supply
A key component of summer pet safety is monitoring your pet’s water intake and making sure their water bowl always has plenty of fresh, cool water during the warmer months. Be sure to take frequent water breaks during times of exercise and play, and one tip that can help is adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl (it can be a fun treat for them, too!).
Be aware of the signs of dehydration in your pet, such as: excessive panting, lethargy, sunken eyes, thick saliva, and a dry nose / mouth. You can give your pet electrolyte-enhanced water if needed, or take your pet to your vet if they need additional fluids.
Limit Time Outside
Unlike their human counterparts, dogs and cats are unable to sweat, so they do not have the ability to cool down their body temperature as quickly. You should limit time outside to early mornings and evenings so your pet isn’t in the heat of the day. Be especially mindful of limiting heat exposure for specific breeds of dogs, like boxers or bulldogs.
According to the American Kennel Club, signs of the early stages of heatstroke to look out for in a dog are heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, and difficulty maintaining balance. Signs of the advanced stages of heat stroke include white or blue gums, lethargy and an unwillingness to move, uncontrollable urination or defecation, labored and noisy breathing and shock. Seek the medical attention of a local vet right away if you see any of these signs in your dog.
Keep Your Pet Groomed
One way to keep your pet cool is to stay on a regular grooming schedule so their fur isn't weighing them down and adding extra heat. Keep in mind our mobile pet spa that can conveniently come to your driveaway and our Woof Pack Loyalty Program that allows you to schedule recurring appointments with your preferred groomer.
Make Sure Medications are Up-to-Date
Pests like fleas and ticks are more active during the warmer months, so it’s important to keep your pet up-to-date on all of their vaccinations and medications for the summer. Talk to your local vet about the best medication options for your pet. Maintaining cleanliness indoors will also help prevent any infestations by regularly vacuuming and washing bedding.
Protect Those Paws
Know that awful burning sensation of bare feet on piping hot pavement? Your pet doesn’t like that feeling, either! Keep in mind the five-second rule: if you can’t keep your hand on a pavement for more than five seconds, it is too hot for your pet to walk on.
Prevent burns on your pet’s paw pads by purchasing paw covers for them or limiting their time on hot pavement. You can also work to keep the pavement cooler by having a water sprayer keep the pavement wet.
We hope these summer safety tips are helpful and prevent your pet from having any kind of emergency, and we encourage you to always check with your local vet for the best expert advice and recommendations for your specific breed of pet. Your friends at Woofie's wish you a happy summer!