Summer is the time for vacations, trips to the lake and beach, and simply enjoying Mother Nature. If you want to include your pet in the outdoor fun, that’s wonderful, but be mindful of high temperatures. Your furry friend is prone to many of the same heat- and sun-related problems as you, including sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke. Our Town & Country Animal Hospital team offers tips to keep your pet cool, safe, and happy all summer long. 

1. Monitor your pet while outdoors

While supervision is always a must, be sure you closely monitor your pet during hot weather. Pets have inadequate means of cooling themselves down because they do not sweat the way people do. So, being outdoors when the temperature is high can cause heat exhaustion or, worse, heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Ensure you watch your pet for discomfort signs such as panting or restlessness. If your pet seems overheated, bring them inside your air-conditioned home.

2. Give your pet plenty of water

Your four-legged friend can become dehydrated if you don’t encourage them to drink water. Place several water bowls around your home and yard, filling them with fresh water throughout the day. Bring plastic or collapsible bowls with extra water for your four-legged friend when outdoors. Always have water in the car or on a hike or walk with your pet. If your pet doesn’t drink enough water, add ice cubes or create pet-friendly popsicles, using chicken broth or tuna water, to entice them to drink. 

3. Provide adequate shade for your pet

Summer’s intense ultraviolet (UV) rays can burn your pet’s skin without protection. If your yard does not have a tree canopy to shade your pet, consider putting up sunshades, awnings, or umbrellas so your four-legged pal can get out of the sun’s intense rays. Bring an umbrella or pop-up tent when going to the beach or open natural areas such as a lake. Also, consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to your pet’s ears, nose, and tummy to prevent sunburn. 

4. Protect your pet’s paws from hot pavement

Many pet owners inadvertently walk their pets on hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or sand. Unfortunately, these surfaces can cause your pet’s paw pads to develop third-degree burns. Always check the ground with your hand before walking across with your pet. Choose a shaded walkway or grassy area if a paved surface is too hot. 

5. Keep your pet cool by playing water games

If your pet enjoys water, add a few sprinklers to your yard for them to run through. Not only does this provide exercise, but the water also keeps your pet cool and comfortable. Kiddie pools can also provide splash-time fun. Backyard pools are great for dogs who know how to swim and are comfortable in water. However, supervise your pet at all times when they swim. Even the strongest swimmer can become fatigued in the water and need help getting back on dry land. 

6. Properly groom your pet 

Regular bathing and brushing can help your pet remain cool by removing matted hair that can trap heat. While you may believe that shaving your cat or dog helps them remain cool, the opposite is true: their hair actually insulates your pet from intense sun rays. Shaved pets have a greater risk for sunburn. Ask your professional groomer to give your pet a haircut that is suitable for summer.

7. Never leave your pet unsupervised in hot weather

Many unnecessary, fatal tragedies have occurred after people left their pets in parked cars. The temperatures inside a vehicle can soar within minutes, so never leave your four-legged friend in the car, even for a few moments. Additionally, enclosed areas, such as sunrooms, garages, or dog enclosures, can become exceedingly hot and dangerous if no airflow is available. 

8. Learn to recognize heatstroke signs in pets

Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s internal temperature reaches 105 degrees. This veterinary emergency can be avoided if you learn to recognize the following heatstroke signs:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Disorientation
  • Whining
  • Red gums and tongue
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

If your pet shows these signs, quickly move them to an air-conditioned area and contact our Town & Country Animal Hospital team. While on the phone with our team, give your pet cool—not cold—water to drink and place a damp towel on their body. Never use ice or water that is too cold on your pet because this can send them into shock.

While heat can be deadly for pets, you can safeguard them from dangers by following our tips. Prioritize your four-legged pal’s safety when outdoors in the heat. By being vigilant and taking special precautions, you can have an incredible summer with your pet, enjoying the great outdoors together. 

Contact our Town & Country Animal Hospital team to schedule your pet’s summer wellness appointment.