Top 6 Summer Tips for Your Pet
Summer is always an ideal time for hangouts, picnics, hikes, swimming, or running. Especially, when you take your pet out with you, it adds more fun to your venture. While wild animals are adapted to intense heat, the companion animals may become susceptible to extreme weather.
Pets usually don’t sweat as humans do which makes them prone to become overheated. Therefore, we have come up with the top 6 summer tips for you to care for your pet in this hot weather and make the most out of it.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Your dog gets dehydrated more than you do. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive drooling. As a tip, always make sure to provide fresh and cold water at your home or bring a cold-water bottle for your furry companion while going outside. You might also take wet dog food or keep it under shade for this noble cause.
Know the Signs
The normal temperature of a dog is between 100° and 103°F while that of cat ranges between 100.4º to 102.5ºF. Temperature higher than that means that your pet’s in danger. They don’t sweat like humans, instead drink water and pant to lower their body temperature.
Some of the common signs of overheating include:
- Heavy panting
- Dry or bright red gums
- Thick drool
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Wobbly legs
Never Leave Your Pet in Car
While you’re in a hurry, you might leave your pet in your car to do your work. However, you should keep in mind that it hardly takes 5-10 minutes to develop heatstroke in your dog or cat when left in a hot vehicle.
In fact, some states have introduced a “hot car” law to prevent this practice. So, either you should take your pet out of your vehicle or leave it at home. This tip is going to save you for sure from extra-governmental charges.
Read more: How to Choose A Suitable Pet?
Apply Sunscreen While Going Outside
Your pet might develop sun scars especially if they have short or light hair coats. So, if you’re outing in the summer, it is recommended to apply sunscreens every 3-4 hours to the least hair-covered spots such as bellies, ears, and nose of your pet.
Don’t Shave Your Pet’s fur
This is one of the most important yet neglected tips. Never ever shave your pet in summer because their coat is naturally meant for keeping them cool in hot and warm in cold weather. You may trim the fur in summer but never shave it. Always leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from extreme sunburns.
Always Walk in Medium Temperature
Your pet also feels the same heat and tiresome as you do. The easiest tip to follow is, if you’re going for an exercise, jogging or simply walking, you should take care of the suitable time. It should neither be too cold nor too hot. Instead, you can take it out in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is moderate.
Read more: 5 Top Health Tips for Your Pet
