Summer has picked up!
Frozen treats, relaxing getaways and amusing water sports come to our mind when we imagine this season. Hold on, warm weather brings some health hazards too. Hot temperatures can make anyone feel under the weather, and our four-legged friends are no exception. Since our pets cannot vocalize their problems, we must ensure their recreation along with safety during the summer.
In this blog post, let’s explore ways to make this summer season merrier and healthier for your pet.
7 Summer safety tips for pets
Let’s have a quick rundown on the 7 most important tips to ensure summer safety for your beloved companions:
- Ensure proper hydration
Hot and humid temperatures can dehydrate pets quickly. Make sure your furry mate has access to fresh and clean drinking water at all times. Always carry a water bottle while going out and focus on maximizing fluid intake. You can also take them for water activities to lower their body temperature and keep them refreshed, but protect them from direct sunlight.
- Focus on parasite prevention
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more active during the summer season, causing pain, discomfort, and serious diseases like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). That’s why year-round protection is essential.
Bravecto, Simparica Trio, NexGard Combo, Revolution, Heartgard Plus, and Interceptor Plus are some of the most popular and effective options when it comes to flea and tick treatment for dogs. Always use these treatments under veterinary supervision for the best protection.
- Keep an eye on their food
Summer calls for vibrant pool parties, backyard barbeques and thrilling outings filled with lots of fun and food. But the food you eat may not be suitable for your pets. So while you are busy enjoying the party madness, don’t forget to watch what your pet is eating to avoid digestive issues and ingestion of toxic substances.
- Modify exercise & playtime routine
Making little changes in your pet’s daily exercise and play timings may go a long way in safeguarding them from scorching heat and related injuries or diseases. Prefer taking them out in early mornings or late evenings. Avoid sidewalks, limit their activity in the backyard and keep them away from hot surfaces such as asphalt or cement, as this can heat their body and burn their sensitive paws.
- Watch out for overheating symptoms
Excessive panting, breathing difficulty, rapid heart rate, vomiting, dizziness, etc., are some of the common signs that indicate overheating in pets. Make sure you never leave them in a locked car as the car heats up quickly from inside, which may transfer the heat rapidly into the pet’s body, leading to heatstroke or a sudden collapse.
- Don’t forget sunscreen
Whether you are taking your pet for a walk or a fun outing, sunscreen is a must! Sunscreen creates a protective layer on their skin and keeps them safe and healthy. Pets with short or light-colored coats are more susceptible to sunburns, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen before going out. Make sure you use a pet-friendly sunscreen, especially on the nose, ears and belly areas.
- Avoid shaving the coat
It is essential to keep your pets well-groomed by regularly trimming and brushing their coat, but avoid shaving them, especially during the warmer months. A pet’s coat has protective layers that shield their skin from sunburn and overheating. Stick to proper grooming and focus on skin and coat essentials to keep them healthy and comfortable year-round.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, ‘fun in the sun’ is a great idea to keep your pets excited and entertained, but requires additional care and attention to make the most of it. Just like any other season, summer has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to be prepared in advance so that you and your furry companions can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Make little efforts and small changes every day by following the tips mentioned in the blog to have a fun and frolic summer with your fluffballs.
