Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe in Summer

Summertime brings lots of outdoor activities, sunshine, and vacations.But while we humans enjoy the season, pets often struggle with the heat. Dogs, cats, and other animals are much more sensitive to high temperatures, and without proper care, they can face dehydration, heatstroke, and other health risks.

As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your furry friend stays comfortable, hydrated, and safe during the hottest months of the year. In this article, we’ll share practical, easy-to-follow tips to keep your pet safe in summer.

1. Provide Fresh, Cool Water at All Times

• Dehydration is one of the biggest summer dangers for pets.
• Always keep a bowl of fresh, cool water within reach.
• Refill the bowl frequently, especially if it’s kept outdoors.

Consider using pet water fountains – they keep water fresh and encourage pets to drink more.

If you’re heading out, carry a portable water bottle designed for dogs or cats.

2. Avoid Walks During Peak Heat Hours

The middle of the day (10 AM – 4 PM) is when the sun is strongest. Walking your dog during these hours can lead to:

Burnt paw pads (from hot asphalt or concrete)

1. Overheating
2. Exhaustion

The best time to walk your dog is in the early morning or late at night when it's cooler.

3. Protect Their Paws

Hot pavement can reach temperatures high enough to burn your pet’s paw pads. If you can't hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, the ground is too hot for your pet.

• Use dog booties for extra protection.
• Walk on grass instead of concrete whenever possible.

4. Your pet should never be left in a parked car.

• This is one of the most dangerous mistakes pet parents make.
• Even with windows slightly open, cars heat up extremely fast.
• On a 30°C (86°F) day, the inside of a car can rise above 45°C (113°F) in minutes.
• This can cause fatal heatstroke.
• Rule: If you leave the car, your pet leaves too.

5. Provide Shade and Cool Resting Spots

• Pets need a shady area to escape direct sunlight.
• Set up a shaded spot in your yard or balcony.
• Indoors, keep curtains closed to block heat.

Provide cooling mats, damp towels, or even a fan near their resting place.

6. Keep Them Groomed, But Don’t Shave Completely

1. Regular grooming helps keep pets cool, but shaving fur completely can be harmful.
2. Fur acts as insulation, protecting against both heat and sunburn.
3. Instead, trim long coats and brush regularly to remove tangles and excess undercoat.
4.  Ask a professional groomer for the best summer style for your pet’s breed.

7. Watch Out for Signs of Heatstroke

Pets can’t sweat like humans, so overheating is a serious risk.
Common symptoms of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Move your pet to a cool location, give them water, and call a veterinarian right away if you see any of these symptoms.

8. Keep Exercise Light and Fun

• Overexertion in summer can be dangerous.
• Choose shorter, gentler walks instead of long runs.
• Play indoors during the hottest hours.

Use toys, treat puzzles, or frozen treats for mental stimulation.

9. Offer Cooling Treats

• Pets love frozen snacks in summer!
• Freeze chicken broth or plain yogurt in ice cube trays.
• Serve frozen fruits such as apple slices, blueberries, or seedless watermelon.
• Special pet-safe ice creams are also available.

10. Protect Against Parasites

Summer means more fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These pests carry diseases and cause discomfort.

• Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventives.
• Keep your yard clean and free of standing water (to reduce mosquitoes).
• Check your pet’s coat after outdoor activities.

11. Swimming Safety

1. Although not all dogs are born swimmers, many of them adore the water.
2. Supervise pets near pools, lakes, or beaches.
3. Use a pet life jacket for safety.
4. After swimming, rinse your dog to get rid of any salt or chlorine.

12. Keep an Emergency Kit Handy

Be prepared for any summer emergency:

• Water bottle and bowl
• Cooling towel
• Pet first-aid kit
• Vet’s contact number

Conclusion

For your pet, summer should be a time of enjoyment rather than peril. By providing fresh water, shade, safe walking times, and watching for signs of overheating, you can make sure your furry friend enjoys the sunny days as much as you do.

Remember, your pet depends on you for protection—so a little extra care in summer can go a long way in keeping them safe, happy, and healthy.