The summer heat is here, and it is just going to get warmer as the days go on. The increase in temperature brings an increase in attention to our pets safety with it. Pets look to their owners for their safety and well-being. It is a pet owner’s responsibility to see their pets are taken care of.
One thing to be aware of when thinking about taking a pet out for a walk in the summer, is the temperature of the pavement. A good rule of thumb is to place your hand palm down on the pavement. If the pavement is too hot for your hand to be comfortable, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
A simple thing to keep in mind during summer is the time of day you are letting your pets outside. Exercise and potty times may need to be adjusted so as to not be outside in the hottest part of the day.
When letting pets outside in the summer heat there are a few things to keep in mind. Like asphalt, decks and patios can get too hot for pet’s paws as well. Be aware of the shade or lack of shade your pet may have access to. Leaving your dog outside with a kiddie pool is not enough to offset high temperatures. If leaving a water bowl outside, a good rule of thumb is to add ice cubes to it frequently to keep the water cool.
Temperature also affects bringing your pets in the car. If you are going to be getting out of the car and your pet must stay in the car, it is best to leave them at home. Unless you want to leave them in a running car so they can have air conditioning!
These days there are a lot of products on the market to assist in keeping your pets nice and cool this summer, whether inside or outside. Aldi’s currently has a cooling mat for sale. Cooling mats are great for indoor and outdoor use, easily cleaned and cheap to buy. Kiddie pools are also a great idea for your pets. There are a variety out there and they are available at multiple stores. Keep in mind the size of your pets when buying a pool and filling it. Five Below can be a great resource as well for affordable items. Splash pads can also be fun for water loving dogs. Of course, nothing beats the hose!
Another idea is getting a Kong toy, filling it with peanut butter and putting it in the freezer overnight. Not only does this treat/toy cool your dog down, but it is a great activity for their brains working on getting that peanut butter out. Bonus, it usually wears them out, at least for a little bit! Have a rope bone laying around? Drench that in water and leave it in the freezer overnight. Really any toy that can be frozen, you can use!
Heat stroke is something that can happen to pets as well as humans. Knowing what to look for is important. Primarily in dogs, if you notice excessive panting, red gums, restlessness, drooling, skin that is hot to the touch, increased heart rate, reach out to your veterinary clinic right away! It starts as heat exhaustion but can increase quickly.
Another thing to keep on top of always, but especially in the summer is grooming. If your dog is one who gets regular hair cuts or a yearly shave down, the summer is the best time to make sure those appointments are not getting skipped.
Pets are beloved members of the family, and their comfort should be equally as important as our own in the summer heat. Whether you are filling up a kiddie pool or freezing some treats, the second most important thing to making sure your pet is happy in the summer, is having fun!
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