9 Ways On How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Hot Summer Months
Summer is the time for all Americans to enjoy their pets. The warm weather lets us take them out for walks, and to the park for some fun outdoor activities. However, just like us, pets can get overheated in the summer. We have a list of tips here to help you keep your pets safe during hot days then.
1. Keep them indoors
The first step in keeping your pets safe during hot summer months is to keep them inside. While most people think about the dangers of heatstroke, exposure to the sun, and dehydration as things that can affect their pets, there are other dangers lurking in the outdoors that can be deadly for your pet.
For example, mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile virus and Encephalitis (which causes inflammation). The diseases are transmitted through mosquito bites. In fact, most cases of West Nile Virus are transmitted by mosquitoes.
In addition to diseases carried by mosquitoes, ticks also pose a danger to your pets during hot summer months because they can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi which causes symptoms such as fever, headache or fatigue. If left untreated it can lead to heart problems or arthritis years later.
2. Provide plenty of water and shade
As you know, your pets can get overheated and dehydrated when the temperature rises. But there are things you can do to help them stay healthy and happy.
Always provide plenty of water and shade for your pets during the hot summer months. If your dog or cat is outside, make sure they have access to a clean bowl of water that's not too shallow—they'll need it!
And if you see them laying down in the shade, make sure they don't have any direct sunlight on their body. If you're unsure whether or not they're hot, feel their ears or back: if it feels warm or even hot to the touch, they're probably hot enough already—give them some water!
You can also keep your pet cool by misting them down with a spray bottle filled with cold water before heading outside into the heat of summer. Keep an eye on them as well; if they seem lethargic or unresponsive to stimuli like toys or treats then it's time for a trip to the vet!
3. Do not leave them in a car for long periods of time
One of the best ways to keep your pet safe is by not leaving them in a car for long periods of time. Many states have laws against leaving animals unattended in vehicles, and even if yours doesn't, it's still important to make sure that your pets don't overheat while they're waiting for you to finish shopping or running errands.
In addition to keeping your pets from overheating, keeping them cool also helps maintain their immune systems and keep them from becoming dehydrated if left in the sun for longer than about 15 minutes at a time (depending on how hot it is outside).
4. If you must bring them with you, bring a portable fan or air conditioner for them
When choosing a fan or air conditioner, consider the size of your pet and how much space they will need. You should also consider whether or not they will be able to move around while they're in the room with the fan or air conditioning unit. If they're going to be spending most of their time lying down, it's probably best to choose a small unit that can be placed directly on their bedding.
If your pet is larger and/or needs more space for moving around, then you may want to consider purchasing a larger unit that can be placed in front of them but not directly on top of them—this way they'll have enough room to move around comfortably without being cramped up too much by having something right up against their face all day long!
5. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
During the summer months, you may be tempted to work out in the heat of the day, but this can be a dangerous practice for both you and your pets. As we all know, dogs are more susceptible than humans to heat-related illness and death. In fact, most deaths from heatstroke in dogs occur when it's hot outside (over 80 degrees) and there isn't any shade available for them to rest under.
So how do you keep your pet safe during these hot summer months? It's simple: avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. If you must exercise with your dog during those times, make sure that they have access to plenty of cool water and shade—and don't forget to bring their favorite toy!
6. Don`t Shave Your Dog When it is Hot.
The reason behind this is because when a dog is shaved, the skin becomes more sensitive to sunburns. This can even lead to skin cancer.
In addition, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to shaving their fur off. Dogs with thick fur will benefit from having more protection from the sun, as well as cooling down faster than those with thin hair. If you have a long-haired dog and want to shave it, consider doing so in the winter or early spring when temperatures are cooler.
When it is hot outside, dogs lose heat through their paws and tongue. When this happens, they need to be able to lick themselves to cool off. However, if you shave them all of this goes away because you are making it impossible for them to lick themselves and cool down.
7. Maintain a healthy weight
If you're overweight, you'll be more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. But maintaining a healthy weight isn't just good for you; it's also good for your pets!
The same principle that applies to humans applies to animals: if they're overweight, they'll be more likely to suffer from health problems in hot weather. If your pet is overweight, talk to your vet about ways that you can help your pet get back into shape. And if you're not sure how much food or how often to feed them, talk to your vet about the best options for keeping them at a healthy weight.
8. Put ice cubes in their water bowl to keep them cool and hydrated during hot days
One of the easiest ways to keep your pet cool is by putting ice cubes in their water bowl. This will help keep them hydrated during the summer months when temperatures are often above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It also works well for dogs who like to drink out of faucets in your home.
Ice cubes are inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store or convenience store. You can also put frozen juice boxes in their water bowl to keep them cool if you don’t have access to ice cubes.
The best way to use ice cubes is by placing one or two in their water bowl every day during hot days so they have plenty of cool water to drink throughout the day.
9. Use fans or air conditioners to help circulate fresh air inside your home
If you're looking for ways to keep your pets safe during the hot summer months, one of the best things you can do is to make sure that they have enough fresh air circulating inside your home.
If you have a fan or an air conditioner, use it to help circulate air throughout the rooms in your house where your pet spends most of their time. If there are any windows open in those rooms, close them so that the cool air stays in and doesn't escape into other parts of the house.
When it's hot outside—and even when it's not—your pet's body temperature will rise significantly faster than yours. If they don't have enough space to move around and stay cool, they could get overheated very quickly and become ill as a result.
Keeping your animals comfortable during the summer months is important for their health and longevity as well as yours!
No matter what you do, it is important to keep an eye on your furry little friend. If part of your family, they have every right to be in the house enjoying time with you, as it should be. By following these suggestions, you can make sure that your pets are safe and sound through the hot summer months.
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