Beat the Heat: How to Care for Your Pet During the Summer Months

Summer is a great time for fun with your pet, but it's also important to take extra care to keep them safe during hot weather. With the right precautions, you can keep your furry friend healthy and happy all summer long.

Hydration is Key

Just like humans, pets need plenty of water in hot weather. Provide fresh, clean water at all times, and consider adding ice cubes to your pet's water dish to help keep them cool. If you're out and about with your pet, bring along a portable water bowl and extra water to ensure they stay hydrated.

Stay Cool Indoors

On particularly hot days, it's best to keep your pet indoors where it's cool. Provide a fan or air conditioning to help regulate the temperature, and make sure your pet has access to cool, shady areas throughout the day. You can even freeze a water bottle and place it in a towel for your pet to lie against – this will help them cool down quickly.

Avoid the Midday Heat

The hottest part of the day is typically between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. During these hours, it's best to keep your pet inside or in a shaded area. If you must go out, try to stick to grassy areas or shaded paths to avoid overheating on hot pavement.

Protect Your Pet's Paws

Hot pavement can be painful for your pet's sensitive paws. To protect them from burns or blisters, consider investing in a pair of booties or stick to grassy areas or shaded paths. You can also test the temperature of the pavement with your own hand – if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot for your pet's paws.