Top Tips to Help Your Pet Beat the Summer Heat

Summer can be fun for the whole family, but temperatures are soaring higher than ever and it’s important to take certain measures to keep your pets safe.

Keep these tips in mind when your pets go outside for some summertime activities!

1. Beware of Hot Pavement!
It can be tempting to take your dog on a nice walk or to outdoor events in the summer, but it’s important to keep the temperature of the pavement in mind.

The easiest way to test a paved area for safety is to place the back of your hand on it for a few seconds. If it’s so hot that it burns your hand then it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws.

Try to schedule walks for early mornings or later in the evening when the ground has cooled off.

You can also purchase dog booties or shoes to help protect their paws while on urban adventures. It can take training and patience for them to get used to the feeling, but most dogs learn to walk normally with boots on after some time!

2. Keep Water Readily Available
One of the easiest ways for a dog to succumb to the summer heat is if they become dehydrated. It’s best to keep a jug or bottled water with you when you’re out with your pet to keep them hydrated.

There are also pet water bottles with attached bowls that are very convenient. Otherwise, you could tote a collapsible bowl along with the bottled water.

3. Let Them Keep Their Fur
Dog breeds like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, or Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, long coats. These dogs should never be shaved in the summer.

Their undercoat traps air around the skin and keeps it the same as their ideal body temperature.
Their fur also protects them from being sunburnt.

It’s best to limit time outdoors for thick-coated dog breeds to prevent overheating and dehydration.

4. Protect Them From the Sun
Dogs with short or light colored coats can be more susceptible to sunburn.

You can help protect them by putting dog-friendly sunscreen on areas where their fur is thinnest and their skin is exposed to the sun.

The most common areas to apply sunscreen are above the nose, belly, and groin area.

5. Don’t Leave Them In the Car
We know that taking your pup on a car ride makes any trip more fun, but leaving them in the car unattended should never be an option.

Even with a window cracked temperatures in a car can rise to dangerous levels within just a few minutes.

If you can’t take them inside on your stops, please leave them at home.

6. Water Safety
Cooling off at the pool, lake, or beach is a fun option for you and your dog. But pets are at risk of drowning just as much as humans.

Keep a doggie life vest handy on all outings to a body of water and make sure your pet wears it when they are taking a dip.

If you’re at the beach, make sure that your dog does not drink the salt water and keep plenty of fresh water available in case they do lap some down.

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