Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer
Hot days, cool water, and wagging tails—make this summer safe and fun for your furry friends!
Summer is just around the corner, with promises of hot weather, pool days, and evenings spent on the patio. These are all awesome aspects of summer, but there are also important factors to consider, like keeping your four-legged family members safe during that time of year. You’ll probably want to include your pets (especially your dogs!) in family walks, picnics, and other warm-weather fun, so make sure to take all the precautions you can to protect your pets from heat, dehydration, and more!
The ASPCA’s website features some great tips on preventing your pets from getting hurt or ill from the heat. Below we share six great ways to keep your pets safe while they have fun in the summer heat:
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Whether for a picnic, family get-together, pool day, or just a day in the yard, if your pets are outside with you, place a water dish in a nice, shady spot for them. The water will keep your pets hydrated, and the cool location will encourage them to go back for more!
Never Leave Your Pets Alone in a Parked Vehicle
Leaving your pets alone in a parked vehicle can be extremely dangerous, even if you roll a window down for them. In some states, it’s even illegal due to the risk of heat stroke.
Protect Their Paws
On hot, sunny days, pavement can burn sensitive paws. Because cats and dogs are closer to the ground, they heat up more quickly from the rising heat. Walk your pets early in the morning or later in the evening and keep an eye out for signs of overheating.
Know the Symptoms of Overheating
Stay informed about symptoms like excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and collapsing. Being aware can help you act fast in an emergency.
Keep Them Away from Fireworks
Fireworks can cause burns, ingestion injuries, or fear-driven escapes. The safest bet is to secure pets indoors in a quiet room before the celebrations begin.
Always Supervise Around Swimming Pools
Not all pets are natural swimmers. Use flotation devices when boating and discourage drinking pool water. After swimming, rinse off chlorine or salt from their fur.
For more tips, check out the ASPCA’s Hot Weather Safety Tips.
We love how many fun things there are to do with our pets in the summer, AND we love hearing about what others plan to do with their own pets. Do you have any super fun plans for this summer that include your furry family members? Please share them with us in the comments!