10 Summer Safety Tips For Your Pets
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Calling all pet parents! Summer is here, which means it is time to enjoy the outdoors even more, especially with all of your fur babies. Summer calls for hotter days and possibly more trips in these coming months. This means you may have to be a little more careful when bringing your pets outside in this hot weather or even to completely new environments for any upcoming travels. Either way, with hot summers around the corner, here are 10 summer safety tips to take extra care of your pets and to help you be the best paw-rents out there!
10 Summer Safety Tips For Your Pets
Check the Temperature Before Walking Your Pet
Normally, as humans, we wear shoes when we step outside for a walk and we often do not realize how hot the ground can be on a hot, summer day, especially for our fur-babies. Walking your pet at the wrong time in the summer can result in burns on their pads. Burns on their pads can cause them to dry out and even crack.
How can you avoid this? If you wouldn't walk barefoot on the pavement, your pet shouldn’t, either.
A good rule of thumb: If it is 82 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, you shouldn’t walk your pet.
Wait for the day to cool down or maybe take a stroll during golden hour, when the sun is beginning to set. If, however, your pet’s paws get damaged, there are many healthy and safe paw balms out there to help heal your pet’s precious paws.
Never Leave Your Dog (or Cat) in the Car
I repeat, never leave your dog in the car, especially during a hot summer day. Leaving your dog in the car can lead to heatstroke as the temperature in the car can quickly rise in a matter of minutes. This is a safety tip that applies all year long, but be extra mindful of it in the coming heat-filled months.
Look Up Any Pet Restrictions or Warnings for Your Next Destination
Researching your destination is always a great year round travel tip, but taking a deeper dive into any specific pet restrictions is a suggested summer safety tip. Depending on your destination, some warnings can include if dogs are not allowed on the beach, or if specific dog breeds may need specific equipment while being outdoors, and whether or not your dog can be walked off-leash. Another thing to be aware of is health warnings such as pollen, algae, or even insects that can be dangerous for your pets. Reading the local news for your destination will be a great place to start.
Watch Out For Subtle BBQ Risks
I’m sure at least one BBQ is scheduled for you this summer and your dog may be invited, as well! BBQs equal good company and tasty food enjoyed outdoors. This also means food dropping on the floor, possible broken glass, or even more access to garbage. Depending on how your dog behaves, these are some extra things to be mindful of when bringing them to your next summer BBQ.
Pay Extra Attention For Ticks, Fleas, and Bugs
During the summer months, more bugs and critters are bound to come out. This includes pesky ticks and fleas that would love to get cozy in your pet’s hair. With the warmer days and more time outside, your pets are easy targets to get little bites that will have them scratching their backsides for days. Consider changing your dog’s flea collar or stock up on the best type of medicine for your pet. Yes, fleas and ticks are around all year long, but this is a safety tip to strongly be aware of during the summer.
Read more: Houseplants Safe for Cats & Dogs
Bring Extra Water for Longer Trips and Walks
Just like us humans, you pets need to drink water to stay healthy and hydrated. It is important to bring extra water for our pets as well, especially for longer trips and even walks. Having water on hand will keep their thirst satisfied. Hopefully, if you’re going on any long road trips or summer staycations, this will prevent them from drinking from oceans, lakes, or even pools, which can be extremely dangerous. If your dog or pet drinks from any of these types of bodies of water, it can be fatal.
Beware of Fireworks & Firecrackers
July 4th is one of the most celebrated summer holidays. This means fireworks will be more present than ever, so an important safety tip is to beware of them for your pets. The pretty-looking flashing sparks can create extremely loud and uncomfortable noises for your pets. If your dogs are outdoors on this day, you should consider bringing them indoors, because smoke or even small debris from the festive firecrackers can be irritating or damaging. Either way, keep them away from any fireworks or firecrackers and try to keep them calm while they are in action.
Check Your Local News for Water Conditions
We don’t usually think about water safety, but not paying attention to the conditions of the water in your area can be detrimental to your pet’s health. This is especially important if you give your pet tap water. Your local news or city website will have the most up-to-date information on the water conditions in your area. Changing seasons can introduce new toxins, microorganisms, and more into a water source, potentially creating unsafe water for your pet.
Consider A Kiddie Pool
Yeah, I know this might sound silly, but buying a kiddie pool for your pet can be a cool way for your dogs to enjoy the sun. Get it? An inflatable kiddie pool for your pup to wade in can be a nice gift, especially if you live in a dry, hot area. It allows them to lounge outside with you and stay cool. Of course, this only applies if you have the outdoor space in your home. It can also be a nice supplement if you have a pool and do not want your dog in your pool. This fun safety tip can your pets chill out when the temperatures could otherwise be too unbearable for them.
Know the Deadly Signs of Heat
As a pet parent, you know your dog’s personality and behaviors best. Therefore, an important safety tip is to pay extra attention to any unusual signs during this hot, summer season. This means any signs that indicate your precious pup isn’t feeling well. Signs can be anything from fatigue, an extra low-hanging tongue, unusual panting, or any sign of lethargy. Although we probably all wish our dogs can talk, these signs are one of the few ways they can communicate any discomfort. Also, your pups are part of your family and you know when they’re not feeling their best. A reminder to be extra mindful!
Following these safety tips will help ensure a smooth summer for you and your pets! If you’ve had a pet for years, you know how the pets become part of your family and we do our best to take care of the ones we love!
