As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, it’s essential to ensure that our pets stay safe, cool, and comfortable during the summer months. All pet parents want the best for their fur babies, and here are some tips to help manage your pets during this summer season.
Hydration
Just like us, pets need to stay hydrated during these months. Provide fresh water at all times. Make sure the water bowls are always filled and kept in cool places. Pets love to have ice cubes, so for larger dogs, you can give them a few ice cubes to eat in the afternoon hours, and for smaller dogs, you can add ice cubes to their bowl of water. Cats don’t tend to like cold water to drink, but a lot of cats like fresh running water, so you can install indoor water fountains for cats. Freeze the broth you prepare for them to create a cold, liquid treat that still provides all the essential nutrients they need. It’s a refreshing way to help them beat the heat.
Walks
Walking is one of the most important activities in a dog’s life. Make sure to not stop the walks. We need to limit outdoor activity but not stop it. Morning walks should be done by 9 a.m., and evening walks should be done after 7 p.m. Paw pad burns and paw injuries are a common occurrence in the summer season, so be careful about the timing of walks. Leisure walks should be the aim, not extreme exercise.
Hair cuts
For furry pets, consider giving them a trim. Regular grooming is essential, but avoid cutting their fur too short, as it could expose their skin to sunburn, especially in small breed dogs. Trimming helps the formation of mats and makes it easy to brush and groom the dogs daily. For cats, trimming is not necessary, but brushing the coat is essential.
Avoid leaving your
dog in the car
Leaving your dog in the car, even with a cracked window, can lead to heat buildup. Never leave your dog alone in the car, even for a short while, and even with closed windows or the AC on.
Breed specifications
Pugs, Boxers, Terriers, and Percian cats, among other exotic breeds, are more prone to heat strokes. So make sure to give extra care to these breeds. They need to be kept in cool places. For outdoor dogs, make sure to cover their enclosures, have coolers installed, and ensure fresh water.
(The author, Dr.Amit Apte,is a veterinary surgeon, at Vet Care.)
