The days are warming up and summer is nearly on the doorstep. As the days and nights get warmer make sure you take steps to keep your pet safe and healthy. Small measures like providing your pet with a cooler room, shade and water on extremely hot days helps protect them from overheating and dehydration. Other steps like letting your pet enjoy a few ice cubes or take a dip in the kid’s wading pool can provide them with a bit of heat relief while also providing you with some afternoon entertainment. Adding a few fans around the house to areas where your pets sleep or hang-out can make hot days much cooler and comfortable.

Warmer days typically translate into more time spent outside. When you bring Fido along to enjoy the great outdoors, be sure he is protected. First of all, your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccines to ensure their health and safety along with the health and safety of others they may come in contact with during their adventure. Second, flea and tick medicines should be applied to make sure your pet does not come home with any unwanted critters. Whether you are going for a hike, taking your pet to a cook-out or perhaps going to the beach, be sure to take precautions. Bring extra water for your pet in a water bottle or collapsible bowl. It is possible for dogs to get sunburned so you should limit the time they are in direct sunlight or be sure to apply sunscreen to their nose and other exposed areas (check with your vet for more information). Also, be on the look-out for chemicals in the area that are not pet friendly such as: lighter fluids, pesticides and fertilizers.

Walking your dog in the summer months may require some schedule alterations. Since the pavement is often times ten degrees warmer at ground level on hot days, it is not prudent to walk your dog in the heat of the day. If possible, try to go walking in the earlier morning or in the evening when it is cooler outside. If this is possible, it will make for a nicer walk for you and your dog. Taking your pet for a ride in the summer is not a bad idea as it may give them a chance to enjoy air conditioning or the wind blowing through their ears as they hang their head out the window. However, leaving your pet in the car while you go shopping on a warm day is not a good idea, even with the windows cracked. On warm days cars become like ovens where temperatures soar rapidly and are no place for anyone or anything to hang out without cool air circulating. As difficult as it may be sometimes, the best option is to leave your pet at home while you run to the grocery store.

Make this summer fun and memorable by taking steps to keep your pet cool and happy on hot days. A few alterations to your schedule and taking notice of your pet’s surroundings can prevent accidents, dehydration and even death.

By Kirsten Goulet