Discussing The Best Methods And Practices For Keeping Your Dogs And Cats Safe During The Hot Summer Heat & Weather
By Jen Flatt Osborn
All of us want our sweet pets to be safe year-round, but did you know there are certain things you can do in the summer to do just that?
On June 21st, the dog days of summer officially roll in! Time for vacations, traveling, and finding the closest tree with shade. It’s also time for us to take extra precautions to make sure everyone – including furry, finned, feathered, and scaly ones – stays safe.
So let’s talk about how to keep your dog and cat happy furry-ones during the hottest months of the year.
A happy Summertime dog
How To Keep Your Dog Safe In The Summer
Hydration, hydration, hydration. Dogs should drink one ounce of water, or 1/8 of a cup, per pound of body weight each day. It does vary since each dog is unique so that’s an average.
If you do have water outside for them, make sure you have it inside, too, to make sure they have something cool/cold to drink and not sunbaked. Water should always be accessible and fresh. They can self-regulate how much they need to wet their whistle.
Note: Dogs generally drink more during the summer months. Water is lost from panting and salivating. They can also drink more if they’re having a health issue so be highly tuned in to Smoky’s behavior to see if he needs a trip to the vet or if he’s just extra thirsty.
How to Groom And Exercise Your Dog During The Summer
Regular grooming sessions are especially necessary in the summer for poodles, Bichon Frises and the like so their fur doesn’t matte or overheat them. Staying on top of cosmetically caring for your dog can bring them relief when it’s needed the most.
Taking time off from exercising your dog isn’t an option so the change of seasons is no excuse to neglect their routine. Something to think about is that asphalt can get extremely hot. Take your cutie for early morning walks so he won’t burn his paw pads which aren’t bulletproof.
A traveling dog
How To Deal With The Heat And Traveling With Your Dog
Longer days bring more sunshine hours so be sure your dog doesn’t stay in direct sunlight without shade outside. In some states, it’s even illegal to tether them for a certain number of hours. Also, give them the option to come inside when they need to cool down.
If you’ll be traveling with your dog, remember to pack immunization records, any necessary medications, leashes and other paraphernalia like toys and treats, and plenty of food and water. You can probably find water on the way, but you need to be prepared if you don’t.
Important: Your dog is a living, breathing being. Never leave him in the car alone. They can overheat and even die in extreme weather and a closed car with no air conditioning in the summer is extreme.
Microchip your best friend of the animal variety. You don’t want your travels to turn into a tragedy and it will also give you peace of mind when you return.
And finally, stay on top of heartworm and flea medication during these months. Parasites flourish in the heat and can quickly kill an animal.
These tips can be a lifesaver for your dog. All it takes is a little effort and a lot of love.
How To Keep Your Cat Safe In The Summer
Cats love to lie in the sun rays streaming through the windows, right? Absolutely, but their body temperature needs to be regulated. A good rule of thumb is if you’re too hot, cats and dogs will be, too. Make sure your kitty has inner room areas to retreat to so they can cool down.
If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, take extra care to keep your eye on them when they go outside. Besides the heat in the summer, more diurnal (daytime) predators are moving about looking for their next meal.
Additionally, if you have a flat-faced breed like a Persian whose breathing ability can be challenged, be sure to keep them inside where there’s air conditioning. And keep those cuties who are elderly, have heart or other diseases, or are overweight indoors, too.
“Cats” and “Change” are two words that usually don’t belong together. They can struggle with it so if it’s necessary to travel with them, make sure they’re in a carrier which can bring some comfort. Having some toys and catnip while they ride can also soothe them. Also, don’t forget to bring the other items that have already been mentioned for dogs.
Stay Cool And Exercise Your Cat
Clean, cool water isn’t just for dogs. Although we’ve often been taught that cats need milk, their water intake is of the utmost importance. (Although Garfield might argue with that.) Check their water several times a day to make sure it’s appetizing for them.
It’s important to groom cats in the summer, too. They can be especially furry and need to stay “de-fluffed” in the heat.
Speaking of heat, they go into the heat cycle in the spring and summer months although that period is often a bit longer on each end. Make sure he or she is spayed or neutered not only to ensure there’s no reproduction but also to potentially help them medically and behaviorally.
Give your cat plenty to do inside since they’ll be confined a lot. Get an interactive toy to exercise their minds and bodies or build some simple shelves and put boxes in them. Those are the favorites after all.
A happy Summertime cat
Make Sure Summers Have Happy Endings For Your Pet
Even though the season can bring special circumstances to the lives of cats and dogs, you can step in to make sure they stay safe and happy.
1. Hydration
2. Staying on top of the temperature
3. Travel preparation
4. Spaying/Neutering
5. Proper exercise
Keeping these five practices as your top priorities will help make you and your pet’s summer the best one yet. If your dog or cat is your hero, make sure you’re theirs, too.
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Resources:
1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_the_importance_of_water – “How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?” – PetMD – Reviewed and updated for accuracy on August, 11, 2020 by Jennifer Larsen, DVM, PhD, DAVCN
2. https://justcatsclinic.com/have-the-purrfect-summer-tips-to-keep-your-cat-safe-and-cool/ – Just Cats Clinic – “Have the Purrfect Summer: Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe and Cool” – June 3, 2019
3. https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/reasons-spay-or-neuter-your-cat#:~:text=Spaying%20or%20neutering%20is%20one,longer%2C%20healthier%20and%20happier%20life. – Best Friends – “Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat” by Staff Writers