Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe: Essential Summer Pet Care Tips

Watch the Walking Schedule

• Schedule walks for early morning or late evening

• Test the pavement with your hand - if it's too hot for your palm, it's too hot for paws

• Stick to grassy areas when possible

• Keep walks shorter than usual during heat waves

Hydration is Key

• Place multiple water bowls around your home

• Consider a pet water fountain to encourage drinking

• Add ice cubes to water bowls to keep water cool

• Bring portable water bowls on walks

• For cats, consider wet food to increase moisture intake

Create Cool Spaces

• Ensure access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors

• Keep your AC running or provide fans in key areas

• Create a "cooling station" with a damp towel on a tile floor

• Consider cooling mats or elevated beds for better air circulation

• Never leave pets in parked cars - temperatures can rise to deadly levels in minutes

Watch for Warning Signs

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Difficulty breathing

• Increased heart rate

• Weakness or collapse

• Glazed eyes

• Vomiting or diarrhea

Special Considerations for Different Pets

Dogs

• Breeds with flat faces (like Pugs and Bulldogs) are more susceptible to heat

• Consider a kiddie pool for outdoor cooling

• Use cooling bandanas or vests for longer outdoor activities

Cats

• Ensure window screens are secure if windows are open

• Provide elevated perches away from direct sunlight

• Brush regularly to prevent matting, which can trap heat

Small Pets

• Keep cages away from direct sunlight

• Provide frozen water bottles wrapped in towels for cooling

• Consider moving outdoor hutches inside during extreme heat

Fun Ways to Keep Cool

• Frozen treats (pet-safe ingredients only)

• Shallow paddling pools

• Indoor games and activities

• Frozen toys (like Kong toys filled with treats)

Summer Grooming Tips

• Regular brushing to remove excess fur

• Don't shave double-coated breeds (their coat provides natural insulation)

• Keep nails trimmed for better heat transfer through paw pads

• Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin

Emergency Preparedness

• Keep your vet's contact information easily accessible

• Know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet

• Have a pet first-aid kit ready

• Store emergency water supplies