Made in the Shade: Helping Your Pet Cope with Summer Heat

Summer can mean fun and outdoor activities for people and pets, but also can be a challenging season, especially for pets, who are vulnerable to heat-related issues such as sunburn, dehydration, and life-threatening heatstroke. You can protect your furry pal from heat dangers with basic precautions, such as providing plenty of water and shade for outdoor pets or keeping pets indoors during peak heat, but our Skyway Animal Hospital team is offering some lesser-known strategies for keeping your pet cool and comfortable this summer.

First and foremost for your pet: Water and shelter

Remember — your pet's most critical requirements in summer are plenty of water and access to a cool shelter. Provide your pet with multiple bowls of clean, fresh water inside your home and in the yard. Take extra water when traveling, walking, or participating in any outdoor activities with your pet. Supervise your pet whenever they are outside, and never leave them inside a parked vehicle, even if you'll be gone "only a minute."

Cool ideas for keeping your pet cool

Most pet owners want their pets to participate in outdoor activities, whether simply relaxing in the yard or enjoying a favorite natural area or park. To keep your four-legged friend comfortable and cool, consider the following options:

• Cooling pads — One of the simplest ways to help your pet beat the heat is by creating a DIY cooling pad. Fill a sealable plastic bag with water and freeze it. Wrap the bag in a towel or towels and place it on your pet's bed. Your pet will love having a refreshing spot to lie on.

• Frozen treats — Homemade frozen treats are a delicious way to keep your pet cool. For dogs, freeze chicken broth or water and a small, favorite treat in ice cube trays. For cats, make frozen tuna water popsicles. These tasty treats not only cool down and hydrate your pet but also provide a diversion from the heat.

• Cooling vests and bandanas — These cooling products are made with materials that retain moisture and coolness for extended periods. Soak them in cold water, wring out excess water, and put them on your pet.

• Create a pet-friendly splash zone — If your pet enjoys water, set up a small kiddie pool or a sprinkler in your yard. Supervised water play is a fun physical activity for relief from the heat.

• Indoor cool zones — Bring your pet indoors during the middle of the day when the heat can be the worst, so they can keep cool in the air conditioning or from fans. Tiles or linoleum floors tend to stay cooler than carpeted areas, so encourage your four-legged friend to rest there.

• Cooling pet beds — Consider investing in a cooling pet bed made with breathable materials and cooling gel that absorbs your pet's body heat.

• Sun protection — Like people, pets can get sunburned, especially if they have short or light-colored fur. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Never use sunscreen products for people on your pet, because they contain pet-toxic ingredients.

• Adjust exercise routines — Exercise is always essential for your pet, but you must adjust the timing and intensity of exercise sessions during the summer. Walk in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler.

• Avoid hot surfaces — Sidewalks, roadways, and sand can become extremely hot under the sun and can burn your pet's paws. Walk on grass or shaded paths, or outfit your furry friend with dog booties. Remember — if the surface is too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet.

Extra precautions are necessary to help your pet cope with the summer heat and stay comfortable and healthy. Be alert to heat exhaustion and heatstroke signs, including excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and disorientation, and contact our Skyway Animal Hospital team as soon as you suspect your pet is in trouble.

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At Skyway Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive wellness care for pets in St. Petersburg. Request an appointment or call us at (727) 327-5141.