Seasonal Pet Care Tips: Protecting Your Pets During the Summer Season

When the sun’s shining bright and temperatures soar, it's easy to enjoy the warmth, but your furry companions may struggle with the heat. Summer brings not only longer days and sunny weather but also potential health risks for your pets, from dehydration to heatstroke. So, how can we take care of animals during the summer months and ensure they stay safe and comfortable?

Let’s dive into some seasonal pet care tips that will help keep your pets cool, hydrated, and happy this summer.

Hydration Is Key: Keep Their Water Bowl Full

As temperatures rise, your pets will need plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including heatstroke, especially in hot climates.

How can we take care of animals during summer?

• Always Provide Fresh Water: Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times. This is especially important during walks, playtime, or when they’re outside in the garden. Place multiple water bowls around the house to make sure they’re never far from hydration.
• Consider Ice Cubes: Some pets enjoy chewing on ice cubes. Add a few to their water bowl or make ice cubes from low-sodium broth to keep them cool and encourage hydration.
• Portable Water Bottles: When taking your pet on walks, bring along a portable water bottle designed for pets, so they can sip water as they need it.

Keep Them Cool: Shade and Fans Are Your Best Friends

Pets, especially those with thick fur coats, can quickly overheat in the summer heat. It’s important to create a cool environment for them to retreat to when the sun gets too intense.

Pet care tip:

• Provide Shade: Whether you're outside playing or taking a walk, always look for shaded areas where your pet can rest and cool down. A pet-friendly sunshade or umbrella can be a great addition for outdoor adventures.
• Indoor Cooling: Keep fans or air conditioners on indoors to provide a cool breeze for your pet. If you don’t have air conditioning, a fan near their resting area can do wonders in keeping them comfortable.
• Cooling Mats: There are special cooling mats available for pets that absorb body heat. These are perfect for pets who struggle with the heat and need a designated spot to cool down.

Grooming: Don’t Let Fur Become a Burden

It’s tempting to shave your pet’s coat to help them stay cool, but that’s not always the best solution, especially for dogs with double coats. Fur acts as an insulator and helps protect your pet from sunburn.

Pet health care tip:

Regular Grooming: Instead of shaving, brush your pet regularly to remove excess fur and undercoat. This helps them stay cooler and prevents matting, which can trap heat.

Trim Their Paws: Keeping your pet’s paw pads well-trimmed will help them walk comfortably on hot surfaces, like pavement, which can burn their paws.

Check for Ticks and Fleas: Summer means more bugs, so carefully check your pet’s coat for ticks, fleas, and other pests. Use vet-approved animal medicine and veterinary products to keep these unwanted visitors at bay.

Protect Them from Sunburn: Yes, Pets Can Get Sunburned Too!

Did you know that pets can get sunburned, especially those with light-coloured or short fur? Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are particularly susceptible to sunburn.

Why should we take care of animals when it comes to sun exposure?

Pet Sunscreen: You can protect your pet’s skin with specially formulated pet sunscreen, particularly for short-haired or hairless breeds. Apply it to their ears, nose, and any exposed areas.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: During the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, limit your pet’s exposure to direct sunlight. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet.

Be Mindful of Hot Pavement: Protect Their Paws

The summer heat can turn sidewalks, asphalt, and even sand into hot surfaces that can burn your pet’s sensitive paw pads. This is especially true for pets with small or thin paws, like puppies and older dogs.

How can we take care of animals' paws?

• Test the Ground Temperature: A simple way to check if the ground is too hot for your pet is by placing your bare hand on it for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
• Paw Protection: If you must walk on hot pavement, consider investing in pet booties, which are specially designed to protect their paws from the heat. Alternatively, walk on grassy or shaded paths where possible.
• Paw Care: After walks, check your pet’s paws for any signs of burns or irritation. Clean their paws with a damp cloth and apply paw balm if needed to soothe any dryness or cracked pads.

Outdoor Activities: Choose Cool Times for Exercise

Exercise is important for your pet's overall well-being, but summer heat can make it difficult for them to stay active without overheating. Adjust your activity routine to ensure they’re getting the exercise they need without risking heatstroke.

Pet care tips for summer activities:

• Morning or Evening Walks: Plan walks for the cooler parts of the day — early mornings or evenings — when the temperatures are more manageable.
• Avoid Overexertion: Even if you’re outside, make sure your pet isn’t overexerting themselves. Play in short intervals and always give them breaks in the shade with plenty of water.
• Splash Time: If your pet loves water, incorporate some fun splash time to cool them off. A kiddie pool in the backyard is a great option for cooling down after a day of play.

Watch for Heatstroke: Know the Warning Signs

Heatstroke is one of the biggest dangers to pets during the summer. It can develop quickly and may be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

How can we take care of animals in extreme heat?

• Know the Symptoms: Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and confusion. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area, provide water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Prevent Heatstroke: Always ensure your pet has access to shade and water when outside, and never leave them in a parked car, even for a short time. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, even on mild days.

In the summer heat, pets often experience changes in their appetite. It’s important to keep their meals light and easy to digest, helping them stay energized without overloading their system.

• Fresh, Hydrating Food: Offer foods that are hydrating and light. Wet food can help keep your pet hydrated, and adding water to dry kibble can also provide extra moisture. Be sure to avoid feeding them large meals during the hottest parts of the day.
• Avoid Overfeeding: During summer, reduce portion sizes to avoid your pet becoming sluggish due to overeating in the heat.

In Conclusion

Summer is a fun and exciting season for pets, but it comes with its challenges. From keeping them hydrated to protecting them from the heat, it’s up to us to ensure our pets stay safe and healthy all season long. By following these seasonal pet care tips, you can help your furry friend enjoy the sunshine without the risks.

After all, when we take care of animals, we’re not just looking after their physical health — we’re ensuring their happiness and well-being too. So, let’s enjoy the summer together, making sure our pets have the best time while staying safe, cool, and loved!
Remember: A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to your pet’s health during the summer!

Protect your pets this summer with trusted animal medicine and veterinary products from Azista Vet for their health and well-being