Summer brings opportunities for lots of outdoor fun with your pet, along with some challenges.
It’s important to protect animals from dangers, as well as keep them comfortable and entertained. With a bit of preparation and the following tips from Pacific Pups Rescue, you and your pet can enjoy the warmer months.
Avoid too much concentrated heat
Closed cars can quickly heat to temperatures that are unbearable for animals. The layer of fur they have also affects their comfort level. Dogs cannot sweat the way humans do, they cool off by panting and only the nose and paw pads can perspire. So so don’t leave your pet in a car, even if you think the temperature outdoors is comfortable. If the pavement feels too hot to touch with your hand, then it’s too hot for the paw pads of your pet. Try walking them early in the morning, or in the evening. Some dogs will wear booties to protect their paws, although not all pets will tolerate this solution.
Stay chill with water and a cool place
Make sure your pet has access to clean water at all times. When you go for a walk, bring along water and a bowl. Swimming is a great summer exercise for your dog, and a way to stay cool, too. All dogs don’t enjoy swimming, and if yours does not, don’t try to force it. Before taking your pet to the beach, a river, or a lake, educate yourself on tides, currents, and algae blooms that could be dangerous. A backyard kiddie pool full of fresh water is a way for them to cool off and splash around without needing to swim. If your animal will be out in the sun, apply pet or human sunscreen to nose, paws, and other vulnerable areas. Make sure there are shady areas where your pet can retreat to cool off, and as the season begins it’s a great time to wash and refresh their bedding.
Visit the vet
In many areas, summer is the time when fleas, ticks, and heartworms become more prevalent.
Visit the vet and make sure your animal has been treated with the needed preventatives for your area as well as any area you plan to travel to with your dog. Although proper care should prevent heat stroke, learn the symptoms, and at the first sign of trouble head to the vet. Health insurance for your pet is worth considering, particularly if your animal is still relatively young, you could save money on vet bills. Finding California pet insurance is very similar to buying health insurance for humans. Before you select a plan, consider premiums, deductibles, what services are covered, and be sure to look at customer reviews.
Get your summer supplies
There are so many products for helping your pet stay cool. Although you may decide to buy a few things, you can also use what you have on hand, like freezing your pet’s favorite treats in ice cubes for a super cooling snack. You might want to get a cooling collar or vest that can be dipped in water or refrigerated to help your pet chill. Pet cots that allow air circulation can be
wonderful places for your furry friends to relax. Cooling mats are filled with a pressure-sensitive gel that absorbs heat from the animal and cools them as they rest on it. Dog life jackets can be critical if you are taking your pet to a body of water. You might consider a paw-activated water fountain for your pet. Whatever products you’re considering, take time to read customer reviews first to be sure you’ll be getting useful and reasonably priced items. Here is a great place to find
pet care advice from both vets and customers.
With some planning and preparation, your pet can have a wonderful summer, and you can be assured that they’ll be safe and healthy. When in doubt, offer water and a shady place to rest, and remember that any animal with a fur coat will get overheated faster than you do.
by Aurora James of dogetiquette.info
Image via Pexels