Nesrien Abdelkader
We love our furry friends way too much to ever let anything happen to them. So, don’t risk them getting overheated this summer and be prepared in situations where you don’t have A/C.
When the weather gets too hot, it may be uncomfortable, or even dangerous for your pets, and they can suffer serious consequences. So, here’s how to keep your dogs and cats nice and cool in this extreme weather.
Never Leave Them Alone in a Parked Car
This should be common sense, but we need to repeat it since it’s just that important. Leaving your pet in a locked car with the windows rolled up is one of the worst things you can do to them! In the summertime, temperatures in a vehicle can rise dangerously high in just a few minutes. Pets can suffer from heatstroke or even face organ damage and death. Don’t leave them alone, even for a minute.
Adjust Their Walking Schedule
You can’t cut out walks entirely, or else your dog will be a menace full of pent up energy. However, taking a long walk on a hot sunny day may be harmful to your pet. Switch their walking times to early mornings or after the evening. At peak hours of sunlight, the ground can become hot enough to harm your dog. Think about how much it hurts you to step barefoot on hot pavement the next time you take your dog out for a walk.
Apply Sunscreen
On any trip to the beach, you’re sure to see tons of adorable dogs running along the sand. But just like us, pets can also get a painful sunburn. Certain dog breeds with short or white hair and pink ears are more susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. An easy fix is to apply a dog-safe sunscreen on their sensitive areas like the nose, ears and belly. Consult with your vet first about your dog’s needs and consider purchasing a product like this one.
Keep Them Hydrated
This one is also a no-brainer, but it tends to slip pet owners’ minds at times. Always make sure that your pets have a filled water bowl when the weather gets too hot to prevent dehydration.
Cool Them Down With Water, Ice or Damp Towels
For dogs, playing in the water can be a fun activity and a chance for them to practice their doggie paddle. You can also give your pets ice or any frozen treat (that is pet-safe) to keep them busy and chill. Soaking a towel in some cool water and wrapping it around your pet or leaving it for them to lie on can help regulate their body temperature too. Investing in a cooling mat is another option, and you can find them online.
Grooming
Get your pet that fresh cut to have them looking and feeling better. Breeds with very long or thick fur could definitely use a trim in the summer to let more air in through to their skin. Also brush them regularly to collect any excessive fur.