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Summer, finally! With the longer days and warmer temps, the outdoors is calling. Time spent with your loveable dogs and cats (or furbabies, as I prefer to call them), can be super rewarding for you and them! To keep them safe and comfortable during your summer adventures, you need to know these crucial tips.
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Pets and Cars
The number one tip I will provide is to never, never, ever leave your pet in the car without the A/C running. Ever. (I will break your window to rescue an overheated pup. Got it?) Even if you are only going to be “just a minute”, during that minute (that, let’s face it, often turns into a lot more minutes) the temperature inside your car can rise drastically.
On a pleasant day of 70°F (21°C), the inside of a car can reach over 100°F (38°C) in just 10 minutes, putting your pet at severe risk of heatstroke. Even leaving the windows cracked open won’t be enough. Just. Don’t. Leave. Them! (And also don’t leave the dogs in the truck with the keys in it while you pump gas. You’re liable to get locked out and have to call for help to unlock the doors. That’s never happened to me…)
Next Up: Hydration!
Humans need it, and pets do, too! Always make sure they have plenty of cool fresh water easily available. If we don’t drink enough water, and get heatstroke, we only have ourselves to blame. And so do they! Without opposable thumbs, cats and dogs can’t go grab a glass of water when they need it so we have to do it for them. (Further proof that pets rule the house!) Dehydration can happen quickly, so know the signs. Watch your furry friends for these signs:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Red or pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion, disorientation, or lethargy
I can recommend a few great products I personally use for my own pets, both cats and dogs. First, I keep a travel water bottle with built-in bowl for each dog in each vehicle. It’s hard to describe, but Amazon has a lot of good ones, including this three-in-one travel water bottle that includes a compartment for food as well as water, and poop bags! This one here is stainless steel to keep water cooler longer, and includes a spout that folds back over the bottle after use. Again, hard to describe, but it looks pretty cool, and I might just have to try it myself!
My second favorite product that really helps my cats, as well as my dogs, is a fountain that continuously filters and circulates water. This is the one I use. I like stainless steel because it keeps water cooler.
Other ways to keep your furry companions comfy and happy in the summer include adding water to their food if they don’t drink enough (cats are notorious for not drinking enough water), or giving them wet food and not just dry. Another thing is ice cubes! My chihuahuas love ice chips when it’s hot!
Paw Protection
Ever step on hot asphalt barefoot in the summer as a kid? You don’t want to do that again, do you? Well, neither do your pets! Their paw pads are sensitive and the scorching temperatures of pavement and asphalt in the sun can burn them badly. To reduce the risk of burns, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid being out during the hottest parts of the day. Walk when it’s cooler, in the early morning or evening.
- If you have a very chill dog, they may be open to wearing special paw booties to protect their paws (my dogs would never tolerate this), otherwise, try a paw wax as a barrier between the hot ground and their sensitive skin. Paw wax can be found at any pet store or, of course, Amazon.
- After walks or play dates, check paws carefully for any burns, blisters, or abrasions that may cause pain. Use a soothing balm if you see any concerns. I haven’t tried any of these yet, but some of these options look promising.
Avoid Overexertion in the Heat
Remember, your pets can’t take their fur coats off when it’s hot, so you should avoid heavy exercise during the warmer parts of the day. Here are some important tips to help keep your furkids safe in the summer:
- Keep outdoor exposure short. Taker shorter walks and don’t let them play too energetically. Keep your pets entertained indoors with interactive toys and puzzles. Puzzles? That’s right, puzzles that make them “work” for their food or treats can keep them busy for quite some time, and save your shoes from boredom chewing!
- Get lots of rest. If you’re out on longer walks, hikes, or other physical activities, be sure to give them plenty of breaks in the shade.
- Watch your pets closely and if they seem to be slowing down or showing any signs of heat exhaustion (noted above), it’s time to take a break, or go home.
- A special gel pet cooling mat would also be a worthwhile investment. These are available in several sizes for use in crates, kennels, even on the bed where we know they all sleep. These are great for both cats and dogs.
- Regular grooming to help shed excess fur is also important when the temperatures go up. Again, unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t take their coats off. If you have a longhaired cat or dog, you may consider having them trimmed. Don’t shave them completely, because that skin is supersensitive to the sun! Your local pet store may have a grooming salon or if not, they can probably recommend someone for you.
- If they will tolerate it, give them a cool bath. Some dogs don’t mind, but others will put up a fight. And cats… well, let’s just not go there.
Conclusion
You and your furry best friend can enjoy fun in the sun when you take these simple precautions. If you notice any signs of distress, it’s important to get them out of the heat as quickly as possible. Call your vet if you have any concerns, and cool them down with wet towels or an electric fan. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a lot of great resources for pet parents.
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Did any of these tips surprise you? I hope this has been helpful to you and your furbabies! Tell me about your babies! What do they like to do in the summer? Do you have any other great ideas to add?