How To Keep Your Pets Safe In The Summer Heat

Summer is quickly approaching, which means more outdoor activities and adventures for you and your furry friend. While you’re excited to take your pet out for some “fun in the sun”, it’s important to remember how to keep them safe and protected from the heat. 

Knowing that high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for your pet, here are some tips to help you keep your pets cool and comfortable during the summer months.

Summer Safety Tips For Taking Care of Your Pet

Keep Exercise Short During High Temperatures

Exercise is important for your pet to stay happy and healthy, but outdoor activity during high temperatures can have detrimental effects. 

Before taking your pet out for a walk, check the temperature levels. Usually, the hottest part of the day is in the early to mid afternoon, so consider scheduling your pet’s exercise in the morning or evening hours. 

While on your walk, always have water on hand and avoid hot surfaces that can injure your pet’s paws. 

Never Leave Your Pet In The Car

This is common knowledge to pet parents, but leaving your pet in a parked car is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. 

Especially in the summer months, the temperature inside of your parked car will quickly rise leaving your pet’s life at risk. 

Pets that are left in cars can suffer long term health damage or even die. No matter what, do not leave your pet in your car even if only for a few minutes. 

Always Check The Temperature & Humidity 

Just like you check the weather before deciding what to wear for the day, you should do the same before you decide to take your pet outside. 

There will definitely be days where the temperature and humidity is far too high for your dog to comfortably spend time outside. On these days, try to limit their outdoor time to potty breaks and minimal exercise in the morning or evening. 

And, if you do need to bring them outside, make sure to find ways to keep them cool and refreshed. 

Keep Your Pet Cool

A few tips to keep your pet feeling cool and hydrated is to always make sure their water bowl is full. Dehydration is very common and risks the health of your pet.  

If you bring them outside, try to keep them in the shade or under a partially covered area. You can also use cooling blankets, give your dog a bath or let them go for a swim if you have a pool at your home.  

Watch For Danger Signs

If you believe that your dog is experiencing sickness from the heat it’s crucial to act immediately.

Heatstroke can happen very quickly and according to the Humane Society, these are some signs for you to look out for:

• Heavy panting 
• Glazed eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing 
• Excessive thirst
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Profuse salivation
• Vomiting
• Deep red or purple tongue
• Seizure 
• Unconsciousness 

They also note that pets that are more likely to experience heatstroke include pets that are “old, very young, not conditioned to prolonged exercise or have heart or respiratory disease.” 

If you believe that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, try your best to cool them down immediately. 

Run cool water over them, bring them to an air-conditioned area, have them drink colder water or lick ice cubes and place cold towels on their body to lower their internal temperature. 

You should also consider taking them to a veterinarian if possible to ensure that the heatstroke does not become worse.

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We hope these tips were helpful in order to keep your pet safe and cool during the summer months. Take them on new adventures and let them enjoy the sun, but remember these tips to ensure that they stay happy and healthy.