Introduction:
Summer is the time when people get out to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities. But it’s also the time when pets face various risks that can compromise their wellbeing. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know how to protect your furry friend from the dangers of summer while ensuring they have fun and stay healthy and happy.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss important aspects of pet care in summer such as hydration, heatstroke prevention, exercise, grooming, and flea and tick control. Whether you have a cat, dog, rabbit, or any other pet, these tips will help keep them cool, comfortable, and safe during the hot months.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Dehydration can occur quickly in pets during hot weather, especially if they’re active outdoors. Make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water at all times, whether they’re inside or outside. If you’re taking them for a walk or a car ride, bring along a portable water bowl and offer them water frequently. You can also add ice cubes to the water bowl to make it more refreshing. On extremely hot days, you may want to consider freezing water bottles or making homemade popsicles (unflavoured is fine) for your pet to enjoy.
Prevent Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when a pet’s body temperature rises above normal and they’re unable to cool down. Signs of heatstroke can include panting, drooling, vomiting, seizures, and even collapse. To prevent heatstroke, avoid exercising your pet during the hottest parts of the day and never leave them in a parked car, which can quickly become a death trap. Provide a shady spot for your pet to rest, use a fan or air conditioner to keep them cool, and consider purchasing a cooling mat or vest to lower their body temperature.
Adjust Your Exercise Routine
While exercise is essential for pets year-round, it’s important to adjust your routine during summer to avoid overexertion. Instead of taking long walks or engaging in intense play sessions, opt for shorter and more frequent activities, such as playing fetch or practicing tricks indoors. Choose a cooler time of day to exercise, such as early morning or late evening, and avoid hot surfaces like asphalt or concrete that can burn your pet’s paws. If the surface is too hot for your hand then it is too hot for your pets’ paws.
Groom Your Pet Regularly
Grooming your pet regularly can help keep their coat healthy and free from tangles, which can trap heat. Brushing their fur also helps to remove loose hair and distribute oils that can keep their skin moisturized and prevent sunburn. You may also want to consider trimming their fur for shorter breeds to help keep them cooler. Remember that pets with light-colored fur and pink skin are more susceptible to sunburn, so apply pet-specific sunscreen to their exposed areas, such as the nose and ears. Please note that it is not advisable to use regular human sunscreen on dogs as it may contain ingredients that could be toxic if ingested.
Control Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are more prevalent during summer and can cause various illnesses and skin conditions in pets. Paralysis ticks can be fatal and good prevention is essential in eastern Australia. Keep your pet protected by using flea and tick preventative products, such as tablets, topical treatments (spot-ons), collars, or shampoos. Regularly check your pet for any signs of infestation, such as scratching, biting, or dark specks in their fur. Check carefully for ticks following any outing, even if you have preventative measures in place.
If you suspect your pet has fleas or ticks, take them to the vet for proper treatment.
Conclusion:
Summer can be a fun time for pets and their owners, but it’s also a time when extra precautions need to be taken. By following these tips, you can help keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and safe during the hot months. Remember to provide plenty of water, prevent dehydration and heatstroke, adjust your exercise routine, groom your pet regularly, and control fleas and ticks. With a little extra care and attention, you and your pet can enjoy a wonderful summer together.
