Summer is fast approaching. If you have big plans to take your animals out on adventures, make sure you’re aware of how to keep them safe and cool.
Avoiding the Heat
Truly, the best way to keep your pets both cool and safe this summer is to avoid the heat as much as possible. Experts say that your animals should not be outside from the hours of 9:00 am to 6:30 pm for more than 10 minutes at a time. Essentially, you should let your pets outside to do their business and let them right back in. This is the best way to ensure your animals won’t succumb to a fever or heatstroke which can be life threatening.
Keep their Environment Cool
When you’re out and about, there are things you can do to help keep your pet cool and comfortable. For example, if you take your pet out for an afternoon in the park, don’t forget to take frequent breaks in the shade to keep your pet hydrated. There are water bottles designed specifically for pets that you can take with you when you leave the house. Additionally, take booties and balms for your dog’s feet in order to protect the pads from the blistering heat. Lastly, there are cooling vests you can purchase that wrap around your pet that can help keep them cool.
When you’re at home and your pets need to spend time outside, make sure to keep their environment as cool as possible. If you have a yard, hook a sprinkler up to your hose and keep it running while your animals are out there. If you really want to go above and beyond, you could consider putting a fan or misters outside as well. The heat can be really dangerous for animals. The more you can do to cool them down, the safer and happier they will be.
Water Activities
Water activities are a perfect way to help your pets cool off in the summer. But, what kinds of things are safe for animals? An article written by Haley Sprankle for nytimes.com states, “Many water-based activities that are safe for kids can work for our pets, too—as long as they’re supervised. A run through the sprinklers, a splash in a collapsible kiddie pool, and even a quick trip to the beach are all fair game. For beachgoers, keep an eye out for salt intoxication, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, according to the American Kennel Club.”
Medical Care
Even when you try to do everything right, emergencies still occur. If you suspect your animal is suffering from a fever, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, burned paw pads or any other issues, take them to the vet immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Summer is a great time to make lots of memories. If you’re planning on including your pets in your adventures, makes sure to keep them cool.