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August 10, 2016

Beating the Heat: Summer Safety Tips

Beating the Heat: Summer Safety Tips
It seems like in the winter months all we do is look forward to summer; and for good reason: summer is a wonderful time of year with its long days, beautiful nights, and opportunity for outdoor activity. But sometimes we forget about the heat, and when summer hits we really just want winter back. Well, we can’t change the seasons, but we can give you a few tips on keeping your pal cool in the blazin’ heat.

  • Shade and Water. Two non-negotiable summer necessities. If your pet spends even 15 minutes at a time outside, there should be some sort of shade provided, as well as access to clean fresh water both inside and out.
  • Cooling Products. Mats, vests, wraps… There are products made to stay cool in the heat that can give your pal a nice break.
  • Limit Exercise. Use discretion when it comes to exercise, don’t make activities too vigorous or go out in the mid-day heat. We often see pet owners with great intentions walking their animal in the afternoon when the truth is it’s just too hot out.
  • Know Heatstroke. Signs of overheating include lethargy, glazed eyes, excessive panting, dizziness or lack of coordination, rapid heartbeat, and even vomiting. If you see your pet exhibiting these signs, drape cool towels over their head, neck, and chest, try giving them small sips of water or to lick an ice cube, and get them in to see your veterinarian. You can also swipe rubbing alcohol on their paw pads for faster cooling.
  • Pavement Test. Hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If you can’t, it’s best to wait for your walk or run, as the cement is simply too hot for your pet’s paws and can seriously burn them.
  • Homemade Frozen Yummies. The Internet is chock-full of yummy summer treat recipes for pets, like this one for Peanut Butter Pops. The best part is, you can tailor them to your pet’s preferences!

We’d love to see how your pet stays cool in the heat – share with us!

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