Helping Your Pets Beat the Heat: Cool Tips for a Comfortable Summer

When the temperature rises, it’s not just us humans who feel the heat—our furry friends do too! Pets can struggle to stay cool during hot weather, and since they can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable, it’s up to us to ensure they stay safe and comfortable. Here are some essential tips to help your pets beat the heat this summer.

1. Keep Them Hydrated to beat the heat

Keep your pet watered during the summer. Make sure to provide fresh, cold water constantly. To spice things up, put some ice cubes in their water bowl or treat them with pet-friendly frozen goodies.

2. Provide a Cool Shelter

Select a cool spot in your home where your pet can relax. Offer fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats to make the space comfortable. If your pet prefers being outside, ensure they have a shaded spot to access at all times.

3. Avoid the hottest time of the day

Walks and outside play must be planned for the cooler half of the day—early morning or later in the evening. The sun at midday is too strong, and hot pavement burns your pet's paws. If your hand cannot stay on the sidewalk for three seconds, then it's too hot for their paws.

4. Groom with Care

Grooming the pet on a regular basis could make it at ease, but shaving of the coat must be strictly avoided other than on expert advice. Trimming (but not shaving) can be of assistance in keeping long or thickly furred pets cool. Brushing will help eliminate loose fur and matting that will hold heat.

5. Offer Cool Treats

Prepare frozen goodies for your pets at home! Freeze plain unsweetened yogurt, or prepare ice cubes of chicken broth or mashed fruit (blueberries or watermelon) for dogs. Freeze tuna water for cats or give a chilled pet-safe puree.

6. Keep an Eye on Exercise and Play

Pets do not know when to quit, even during heat. Limit playtime and take frequent breaks with water. Active dogs might also benefit from indoor play or water play such as sprinklers or kiddie pools.

7. Observe Signs of Heatstroke

Pay attention to the symptoms of heatstroke. They are panting, salivation, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse. If you see these symptoms, get your pet to the shade, provide it with water, and call your vet at once.

8. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even with broken windows, interior temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise in minutes, endangering your pet with the possibility of lethal heatstroke. Keep your pet with you or leave him or her at home in a safe location.

9. Sunscreen for Your Pet

Yes, pets do sunburn, particularly pets with light-colored, thin coats. Apply sunscreen to bare areas such as the nose, ears, and belly if your pet will be outdoors.

10. Pet Cooling Equipment

Purchase cooling gear for your pets such as vests, bandanas, and mats. These are designed to cool down the body temperature of your pet and keep them comfortable on hot days.

Last Words

By following these tips, you can keep your furry friends cool, comfortable, and healthy during the summer months. Monitor the weather, modify your pet's schedule if necessary, and bask in the sun with them!

Remember: A happy animal is a great animal. Play safe and have fun!

Disclaimer:

The information given within this blog is general and provided for informational use only based on the personal research of the author along with experience. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy and reliability in the given content. Readers are nonetheless encouraged to verify any and all of the information independently before doing anything they might have received as an idea or advice.

Neither the pet grooming studio nor the blog author is liable or responsible for errors or omissions or actions taken as a result of reading this blog. Users are always advised to consult professionals or do their due diligence to ensure that the advice applies to their unique circumstances and the particular needs of their pet