Top Ten Ultimate Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets

As the weather warms up, it is essential to have a plan for our furry friends. Fortunately, these hot weather safety tips for pets provides a checklist for pet owners to factor in when spending time outdoors. Whether you are planning a beach getaway or a long weekend, make sure you are prepped for hot weather for all your family members. 

Top ten essential hot weather safety tips for pets

1. Limit time outdoors

If it’s too warm for you to enjoy, then it’s definitely too warm for your best friend to enjoy. Consider enjoying the sunshine in increments or take breaks indoors. That way the entire family can enjoy their time outdoors.

2. Plan walks accordingly

It is important to plan your walks, that way you’re not walking at the hottest part of your day. For example, typically earlier in the morning and early evening are cooler times of day to walk. Further, consider shortening your walk to keep your pet from over-heating. If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your veterinarian on the best course of action for your furry friends.

3. Stick to the shade

The pavement, asphalt, and sidewalks can heat up very quickly on a hot day. To illuminate this further ~ the asphalt can reach upwards of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you place your hand on the asphalt for 15 seconds and it is too warm for your hand, it is definitely too warm for your pet’s paws. Consider walking your dog in the grass or toss the ball in the shade. These are certainly beneficial hot weather safety tips for pets and humans alike!

4. Provide cool pet care accessories

If you are spending time with your furry friends outdoors, make sure to provide options as a way for your pets to keep cool. Consider a cooling vest for your pets, such as Ruffwear Cool Gear, or keep a portable misting fan with you when you are out. Also, the versatility of a cooling vest allows for multi-uses ranging from the beach to the trails while traveling.

5. Protect your pup’s paws

Paw protection is a must-do for your pets. Naturally, keeping your pup’s paws safe is essential for a happy and healthy pet! Consider dog booties, shoes, sox, or paw pad wax. Keep in mind, a paw pad wax is a great option for prevention but should be used as a supplement with a shoe or bootie. Bear in mind, every pet is different and might not initially take to wearing footwear.

6. Be wary of the sun and UV rays

Beware of exposing your furry friends to too much fun in the sun. Similarly, your pet’s safety is your top priority as a responsible pet owner, so protection is a key factor in exposure to UV rays. For instance, pet sunscreen might be a beneficial option for your pets with shorter fur. Consider talking with your veterinarian on the best course of action to keep your pet protected.

7. Hydration is essential for your furry friends

A critical point among these hot weather safety tips for pets of all kinds is access to water. Proper hydration is a critical component for the health and safety of our furry friends. In addition, consider supplying room temperature water as ice-cold water might be a bit hard on pet’s stomachs. Keeping water with you at all times allows for your pets to grab a drink even while on the go.

8. Pick pet-friendly activities during hot weather

Pets are family. Naturally, we want to be able to spend quality time with our furry friends during the summer months. Consider planning pet-friendly activities, such as lawn games, a family walk, or a dip in the pool. For instance, a dog pool gives your pup the opportunity to stay cool and hydrated while being outdoors with the family.

9. Provide a cool and relaxing pet-friendly home environment

As the temperatures rise, a relaxing pet-friendly home environment is a must-have for pet owners and their furry friends. In addition, consider keeping bowls of water in multiple rooms, as well as a proper circulation of cool airflow throughout your home. Essentially, a pet-friendly home should always have places for your pet to play, roam, and relax!

10. Never leave your pets in the car

The most important of these hot weather safety tips for pets is to never leave your pets in a hot car. When pets are left in the car, they can experience heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, or worse. If you would like your pet’s company throughout your day, check within your local community on pet-friendly accommodations. Further, by keeping your pet at home, they can experience quality pet enrichment in the comforts of your own home while you are away.

Hot weather safety tips for pets: safety measure for the entire family

Hot weather safety tips provide a resourceful guide for new and seasoned pet owners alike. By keeping cool, staying in the shade, limiting time outdoors, and providing hydration you are steps closer to a fun-filled family and pet-friendly summer season.

*Source: Trupanion Pet Insurance blog!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutiques (www.TheGiftedPet.com & www.PamperedPetEssentials.com), and premium pet food business (www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

She is an enthusiastic advocate for animal rights, including wildlife & nature and likes to dabble in creative projects such as photography, digital art, custom greeting cards and more!

Raven is also dedicated to helping pet parents and other humans stay happy, healthy, and balanced with her 100% therapeutic-grade essential oils, oil-infused nutritional supplements, and oil-related lifestyle enhancements via Holistic Oils For Pets & Peeps! (www.HolisticOilsForPetsAndPeeps.com)

For more information, please use the Contact Me! page on this blog or visit her Facebook page to PM her www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps

Keep Your Pets Safe & Cool This Summer

As summer gets into full swing, we’re going through our closets pulling out our t-shirts and shorts in preparation for fun in the sun. But what about our four-legged friends stuck in a permanent fur coat? Are they as affected by the midday heat as we are? (Spoiler alert: yes.) And is there anything we can do about it? (Also, yes.) Here’s the good news: beating the heat is as easy as ABC!

A. Always Plan Ahead

Remember, our companion animals are at our mercy when it comes to being out in the sun. While we can choose whether or not to take a midday hike or sit out in the backyard for hours, they have to go along with the decisions we make, even if it is uncomfortable or potentially dangerous for them. Heat stroke illnesses and deaths spike in the summer, stemming from three main categories:

Prolonged exercise in full heat is dangerous. People who take their pet out to walk or run during the hottest time of the day and don’t realize their pet is overheating. Limit your exercise times to morning and evening during hot months.

Leaving pets in cars. It’s a myth that cracking the windows makes the car cooler ... it doesn’t! Another common misconception is that the outside temperature needs to be high for pets to suffer. On a sunny 70 degree day, the interior can reach 90 degrees in 30 minutes. In 85 degree weather, the temperature can reach 120 in the same period of time! If you can’t bring your dog or cat inside with you on your errands, let them stay home. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Too much activity and not enough water. I’ve seen pets get heat stroke just from playing in the yard on a warm afternoon. If you’re planning on staying outside with your dog, make sure he or she has plenty of water to drink, a shady place to retreat to, and maybe even a sprinkler or wading pool to cool down in.

B. Beware the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke symptoms can begin once the body temperature exceeds 103 degrees F. While most of us don’t carry a pet thermometer around, watch for these specific warning signs:

• heavy panting
• excessive drooling leading to a very dry mouth
• extra-red tongue or gums
• weakness or collapse

Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs are especially prone to overheating, as are dark-haired breeds. Dogs and cats can and do die every summer from heat exposure, so if you suspect your companion animal is suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke, go to the veterinary ER as soon as possible! 

C. Clipping: What About a Summer ‘Do?

Many people like to give their dog or cat a summer clip to help stay cool. If this is something you are considering, talk to your groomer to ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s breed. Dogs whose fur grows continuously - such as poodles and Lhasas - do well with clips, while double-coated breeds such as Akitas and Chows do not. In some cases, a pet’s coat may actually help keep him or her cool, rendering a clip counterproductive. If you do opt for a trim, make sure there is at least one inch of fur remaining so your beloved pup or kitty doesn’t get a sunburn.

Although heat-related illnesses are scary and serious, the great news is that they are also entirely preventable. With just a little foresight and planning, our furry friends can enjoy the summer just as much as we do!

For more information on feeding your pets a healthy, premium line of pet food, treats,

and holistic pet care products, please use the Contact Me page 

or visit www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

Keep Your Pets Safe & Cool This Summer

As summer approaches, we’re going through our closets pulling out our t-shirts and shorts in preparation for fun in the sun. But what about our four-legged friends stuck in a permanent fur coat? Are they as affected by the midday heat as we are? (Spoiler alert: yes.) And is there anything we can do about it? (Also, yes.) Here’s the good news: beating the heat is as easy as ABC!

A. Always Plan Ahead

Remember, our companion animals are at our mercy when it comes to being out in the sun. While we can choose whether or not to take a midday hike or sit out in the backyard for hours, they have to go along with the decisions we make, even if it is uncomfortable or potentially dangerous for them. Heat stroke illnesses and deaths spike in the summer, stemming from three main categories:

Prolonged exercise in full heat is dangerous. People who take their pet out to walk or run during the hottest time of the day and don’t realize their pet is overheating. Limit your exercise times to morning and evening during hot months.

Leaving pets in cars. It’s a myth that cracking the windows makes the car cooler ... it doesn’t! Another common misconception is that the outside temperature needs to be high for pets to suffer. On a sunny 70 degree day, the interior can reach 90 degrees in 30 minutes. In 85 degree weather, the temperature can reach 120 in the same period of time! If you can’t bring your dog or cat inside with you on your errands, let them stay home. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

Too much activity and not enough water. I’ve seen pets get heat stroke just from playing in the yard on a warm afternoon. If you’re planning on staying outside with your dog, make sure he or she has plenty of water to drink, a shady place to retreat to, and maybe even a sprinkler or wading pool to cool down in.

B. Beware the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke symptoms can begin once the body temperature exceeds 103 degrees F. While most of us don’t carry a pet thermometer around, watch for these specific warning signs:

• heavy panting
• excessive drooling leading to a very dry mouth
• extra-red tongue or gums
• weakness or collapse

Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs are especially prone to overheating, as are dark-haired breeds. Dogs and cats can and do die every summer from heat exposure, so if you suspect your companion animal is suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke, go to the veterinary ER as soon as possible! 

C. Clipping: What About a Summer ‘Do?

Many people like to give their dog or cat a summer clip to help stay cool. If this is something you are considering, talk to your groomer to ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s breed. Dogs whose fur grows continuously - such as poodles and Lhasas - do well with clips, while double-coated breeds such as Akitas and Chows do not. In some cases, a pet’s coat may actually help keep him or her cool, rendering a clip counterproductive. If you do opt for a trim, make sure there is at least one inch of fur remaining so your beloved pup or kitty doesn’t get a sunburn.

Although heat-related illnesses are scary and serious, the great news is that they are also entirely preventable. With just a little foresight and planning, our furry friends can enjoy the summer just as much as we do!

For more information on feeding your pets a healthy, premium line of pet food, treats,

and holistic pet care products, please use the Contact Me page 

or visit www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com!