Pet owners cannot wait till summer so that their pets can enjoy the outdoors. While the sunshine and playing outside is great for dogs, there are some things you will need to do in order to keep them safe from the summer heat. Here are some ways for keeping pets cool and comfortable during the summer.
Don’t leave pets in a parked car– Never leave your pet in a car, even with the windows cracked open slightly. Temperatures in the summer can rise to dangerous levels and fast. For instance, if the temperature outside reads 85 degrees, this means the temps inside the car can rise to 102 degree within 10 minutes, even with the windows slightly opened. This extreme heat may cause your pet to die, or at the very least suffer from organ damage.
Supply them with fresh water– You must keep fresh, cold water available to your pet at all times during the hot summer months. Keep a bowl of fresh cold water inside as well as outside for them. Outside, be sure the bowl is in a shady area.
Walk them in the early morning or late evening– You want to walk your dog in the coolest parts of the day. It is essential to keep in mind that your dog is equipped with fur which allows him to get hotter much faster than humans do. Also, keep in mind how hot the asphalt or concrete is when you walk them. Step on the ground with your bare feet before walking your dog. If the ground is too hot for you then it is too hot for your pet.
Have a kid’s pool on hand for them– Kiddie pools are not just ideal for keeping the kids cool but your pets as well. If they spend a lot of time outside, put a kiddie pool in a shaded area and fill with cool water. It is important that your pet is supervised in the pool as drowning can occur with pets.
Use an array of fans for them– If you have air conditioning inside your home, then use that to keep your pet cool in the summer. If not, use fans to help them beat the summer heat. Many cats and dogs enjoy the fans that sit on the floor since they can sit or lie in front of them to keep cool.
Discussion: What do you do to keep your pets cool?
I want to punch people who leave their pets in a hot car. It;s awful.
These are wonderful tips. Our dogs love to drink ice cold water during the hot months.
My mom’s dog doesn’t go in the car, unless they’re heading to the vet. We’ve been walking a lot in the late evenings because it’s been so hot lately. Hopefully someone will read this and learn a thing or two about caring for their pets!
Fresh water is important. Sometimes I throw in a couple of ice cubes to tap water to make it a little bit cooler. (But not too cold because that can make them sick.)
I can’t believe people are stupid enough to leave a pet in a car in the summer! good tips!
Good ideas! They need to be able to cool off too. I like the idea of keeping a inflatable pool for them.
I know dogs love to jump around in a little pool. Just make sure it’s a plastic pool so they can’t poke it with their nails.
We have a kiddie pool for our fur babies. They love it and it is such an easy way to keep your pets cool.
Many people don’t realize how much pets suffer in the heat as well. I always make sure that our dog is cool and comfortable in the heat.
My doggie doesn’t love water, but I have been trying to get him to swim in a kiddie pool. Lol. He sleeps with a fan pointed at him in the laundry room