Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Summer Months

 

While most pets enjoy basking in the sun, extreme heat and prolonged periods of warm weather can pose a risk to our pets. Let’s learn everything you need to know about pets and heat safety to care for your pet's health and look at some top hot weather safety tips for pets.

How Hot Is Too Hot for Pets in Summer?

The temperature that pets can tolerate in summer depends on several factors, including the breed and type of animal and their activity. For example, a cat resting in a shady spot can tolerate higher temperatures than a dog exercising in direct sunlight.

As a rule, it is a good idea to start thinking about how heat will affect your pet when temperatures rise above 75F (24C). This is hot enough to cause heatstroke, dehydration, and burnt paws from walking on hot pavements.

If you notice your pet struggling in the heat, it is vital to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Dehydration and heatstroke can be life-threatening and must be treated as an emergency.

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

It is important to adjust your pet’s routine in the summer months to prevent issues such as heatstroke and dehydration. Most pets will sensibly seek out a cool spot to rest during the hottest periods, but additional measures may be necessary to help them cool down. 

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Follow these tips to keep your dog super chilled on even the hottest of days:

• Exercise your dog during the cooler periods of the day – early morning and dusk.
• Never walk your dog on a hot pavement or leave them in a car on a sunny day.
• Create a shady spot indoors or in your yard for your dog to relax in. Pet cool mats are ideal for helping your dog cool down.
• Treats and chews containing CBD are ideal for preventing boredom on days when it is too hot for your dog to exercise as much as normal. 
• Ensure your dog has a plentiful supply of cool, clean drinking water.

Summer Safety Tips for Cats

Cats are often overlooked during hot weather but are just as susceptible to extreme heat as dogs. Follow these tips to keep your cat cool as a cucumber during a heatwave:

• Encourage your cat to stay indoors during the daytime during periods of hot weather. If they normally go outside, try and limit this to early mornings and evenings.
• Keep your home as cool as possible with air conditioning or fans. Keep the curtains closed near areas where your cat likes to sleep.
• Cats can quickly become dehydrated during hot weather – consider providing a pet water fountain to encourage them to drink more.
• Increasing the amount of wet food your cat eats is a good way to increase their water intake. Alternatively, add a splash of water to their daily ration of dried kibble.
• Provide your cat with high-quality treats from stores to prevent boredom from long periods spent inside.

Summary

Pets are very vulnerable to high temperatures and it is important to provide cool places for them to rest during the hottest hours of the day. Encourage your pet to hang out in their shady spot with treats and toys, and only exercise them during the cooler periods of the day. Remember that it’s OK for your pet to exercise less during prolonged periods of hot weather, and always provide cool, fresh water for them to drink.