Posted on June 6th, 2024

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also pose significant challenges for pet owners. 

The heat and humidity can be tough on our furry friends, leading to a range of health issues if proper care is not taken. 

As temperatures rise, it’s essential to adopt summer pet care tips that ensure your pets remain cool, comfortable, and safe. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the challenges of summer pet care and provide practical tips to help you protect your pets during the hottest months of the year.

The Challenges of Summer Pet Care

Summer is a season filled with opportunities for fun and outdoor activities, but it also brings specific challenges for pet owners. These are some of the challenges and risks pets face during the hottest months of the year:

• Heatstroke and Dehydration: Unlike humans, pets cannot sweat through their skin to cool down; they primarily rely on panting and sweating through their paw pads. When temperatures rise, these mechanisms may not be sufficient to regulate their body temperature, leading to heatstroke.
• Dehydration: Pets need plenty of water to stay hydrated, and the increased temperatures can lead to rapid water loss. Ensuring they have constant access to fresh water is crucial.
• Paw Burns: Pavements, asphalt, and even sand can become extremely hot under the summer sun, reaching temperatures that can cause pain and injury within minutes. It's important to test the ground with your hand or walk your dog on grassy areas or use protective booties to shield their paws from the heat.
• Parasites and Pests: Summer is the peak season for parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Protecting your pets with appropriate preventatives is essential to keep them healthy.
• Sunburn: Pets, particularly those with light-colored or thin fur, are susceptible to sunburn. Areas with less fur coverage, like the nose, ears, and belly, are especially vulnerable.
• Increased Activity Levels: Summer often means more time spent outdoors, leading to increased activity levels for pets. While exercise is beneficial, it’s important to manage their activity to prevent overexertion, especially in the heat.
• Allergies: Pollen, grass, and other environmental allergens can cause itching, redness, and discomfort. Managing allergies involves regular grooming, bathing, and possibly medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Safety Around Water: While many pets enjoy swimming, safety around water is another concern. Not all pets are natural swimmers, and accidents can happen.

As you see, proactive summer pet care is essential por pet owners. Next, we will explore specific summer pet care tips that will help you keep your furry friends cool and safe.

Summer Pet Care Tips

Summer brings longer days, warm weather, and the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors with your pets. However, the season also presents specific challenges that can impact your pet’s health and safety. To ensure your furry friends remain comfortable and protected during the hottest months, it’s crucial to follow some essential summer pet care tips.

1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Hydration is key to preventing dehydration and heatstroke. Ensure that your pets always have access to fresh, cool water, both indoors and outdoors. Place multiple water bowls around your home and yard, so they can easily quench their thirst. For an extra cooling effect, add ice cubes to their water bowls throughout the day. When you're out and about, carry a portable water bottle and bowl to keep your pet hydrated.

2. Create Cool, Shady Areas

Pets need a place to escape the heat when they’re outdoors. Create shaded areas in your yard using trees, tarps, or pet tents. These shaded spots will provide a cool refuge for your pets, protecting them from direct sunlight. Indoors, keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning. You can also use cooling mats or damp towels for your pets to lie on.

3. Avoid Midday Walks

The sun is strongest during midday, making it the hottest time of day. Avoid walking your pets during these hours to prevent overheating and paw pad burns. Instead, schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. When walking, stick to grassy areas, as pavement and asphalt can become dangerously hot. If you must walk on hard surfaces, consider using protective booties for your pet’s paws.

4. Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car

Leaving pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be deadly. Temperatures inside a car can quickly soar, leading to heatstroke or even death. Always leave your pets at home if you need to run errands. If you must travel with your pets, bring them inside with you and ensure they are in a cool, shaded area with plenty of water.

5. Use Pet-Friendly Sunscreen

Just like humans, pets can suffer from sunburn, particularly those with light-colored or thin fur. Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to vulnerable areas such as the nose, ears, and belly. Ensure that the sunscreen is specifically formulated for pets, as human sunscreen can contain ingredients that are toxic to animals. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if your pet is swimming or sweating.

6. Keep Up with Grooming

Regular grooming is essential during the summer months. A well-maintained coat helps regulate your pet’s body temperature. For long-haired pets, consider a trim to keep them cooler, but avoid shaving them completely, as their fur also provides protection from the sun. Brushing your pet regularly helps remove loose fur and prevents matting, which can trap heat.

7. Watch for Signs of Overheating

Be aware of the signs of overheating, which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your pet to a cool place immediately. Provide water and use cool, damp towels to lower their body temperature. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can cause shock. Seek veterinary care if your pet’s condition does not improve quickly.

8. Prevent Parasites

Summer is peak season for parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These pests can cause discomfort and transmit diseases to your pets. Use appropriate preventative treatments, such as topical solutions, collars, or oral medications. Regularly check your pets for signs of parasites and consult your veterinarian for the best preventative products. Keep your yard clean and trimmed to reduce the habitat for these pests.

9. Adjust Their Diet

Some pets may need dietary adjustments during the summer months. Higher activity levels and heat can increase their nutritional needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if any changes are necessary. Providing smaller, more frequent meals can help with digestion and prevent overeating, which can lead to discomfort in the heat.

10. Plan Safe Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are great for exercise and stimulation, but it’s important to plan them carefully to keep your pets safe. Ensure you bring plenty of water and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Consider setting up a small kiddie pool for your dog to splash in and cool off. Always supervise your pets around water to prevent accidents.

Related: 6 Things That Make Dogs Happy & Should Be Part of Your Dog Care Schedule

Wrapping Up

Summer can present a variety of challenges for pet owners, from managing the risks of heatstroke and dehydration to protecting against pests and ensuring proper nutrition. Regularly providing fresh water, creating shaded areas, avoiding midday walks, using pet-friendly sunscreen, and maintaining grooming routines are just a few ways to ensure your pets enjoy a safe and happy summer.

At Pet Services Plus, we are dedicated to providing professional pet care services to help you manage these summer challenges with ease. Whether you need basic home visits, drop-in visits, dog walking, pet taxi, or dog boarding services, our experienced team is here to support you and your pets.

For more information about our services and to schedule an appointment, Get in Touch Now!

Feel free to reach out to us at (864) 303-6903 or email us at [email protected]. Let us help you provide the best care for your pets this summer!