Summer is one of the best times of year for pets and their owners as it means long days to spend outside together. However, the fun comes with responsibility as it is up to you to help keep your pet cool and safe from the heat. Here are six ways to keep your pet cool this summer:
- Keep your pet hydrated with fresh water
- Use air conditioning or cooling alternatives
- Time outdoor activities wisely
- Be mindful of open windows
- Consider a summer grooming session
- Treat your pet to a cold snack
- Always provide shade and fresh water when spending time outdoors
- Cool your pet down with fun water activities like wading pools and hoses
1. Hydration Is Everything
Pets are just as susceptible to dehydration as you are. A bowl of fresh water should always be available for them to help them stay hydrated. Try to change it out at minimum once a day, though two or three times is even better.
Upgrade your pet’s hydration by investing in a pet water fountain. While a stainless steel, ceramic, or other food-safe material bowl works, water fountains keep liquid constantly moving so it stays colder, but also is more enticing to animals.
Proper hydration becomes even more important when you head outdoors together. It’s always a good idea to bring a travel water dish and water, no matter how long you’re going to be outside. You’ll also have to change water outdoors more frequently as it heats up faster.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Air Conditioning
Your rental should be a cool retreat for your pet during the hot summer months. This means running the air conditioning as much as needed. Animals have fur which helps regulate temperatures, but can also get hot.
If you need to keep your pet cool without A/C, then create a cooling spot for them. Set up a fan near your pet’s favorite resting spot, or look into a cooling mat or an elevated bed that allows air to circulate underneath. A misting fan is another great option. It gently dampens your pet’s fur while moving cool air around. Creating a designated cool zone in your home gives your pet somewhere to retreat when they need relief.
3. Choose the Right Time for Outdoor Activities
While summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities with your pet, you still need to factor in the temperature. It can get quite hot during midday, meaning that it may be better to venture out with your pet during the morning and evening. Don’t forget to try to avoid hot asphalt and concrete. Test to see if surfaces are too hot by touching it with your hand; if you can’t put your hand on it then your pet can’t step on it.
4. Be Careful with Open Windows
Cracking open a window to let in fresh air is tempting during nice days, even more so for those without A/C. However, this can pose a danger to pets as window screens are not strong enough to hold back their weight.
If you are going to open a window, make sure they are secured with window safety guards or another protective measure. Sometimes it may be better to crank the A/C and leave your windows shut for the safety of your pet. Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day. By blocking direct sunlight, you help your home retain a lower temperature for longer.
5. Summer Haircuts for Your Pet Can Help Them Keep Cool
Just as a fresh summer haircut can help you feel cooler, the right trim can make a big difference for your pet. A lighter coat means less heat trapped against their body, which helps reduce the risk of overheating.
That said, not all pets benefit from a shorter cut. Before booking a grooming appointment, consult with your veterinarian or a professional groomer about what’s appropriate for your pet’s specific breed. Double-coated breeds, for example, actually rely on their layered fur to regulate body temperature; shaving them can do more harm than good.
No matter the breed, never completely shave your pet or trim their coat too short. A very short coat removes the natural protection against sunburn and insect bites, leaving your pet more vulnerable to other seasonal hazards.
6. Cool Them Down with a Frozen Treat
Everyone deserves a cold treat on a hot summer day, and your pet is no exception! While you should avoid sharing your own ice cream or popsicles, there are plenty of pet-safe frozen goodies you can whip up at home using ingredients that they can eat. Some fun ideas to try are:
- Frozen yogurt dog treats
- Pupsicles
- Pet-safe ice cream
- Ice cubes with a treat frozen inside
- Ice licks
7. When Outdoors, Give Them Shade and Water
Whether your apartment community has a dog park or your rental has a yard, this is a big perk for pet owners. However, to allow your pet to fully enjoy this amenity, you need to make sure it is comfortable for them to use during the summer. That means ensuring there is a shady spot with water where your pet can escape the heat. Consider setting up a canopy, pop-up tent, or patio umbrella with a cold bowl of water underneath.
8. Beat the Heat with Water Activities
Playing in the water is not just a fun summer activity for humans, it’s great for pets too. Splashing around in a shallow pool or frolicking through the hose or sprinkler helps keep their body temperature down while having fun at the same time.
As with other summer activities, there are some precautions to take such as supervising your pet at all times, drying their ears out to prevent infection, and discouraging drinking the water from the pool or hose as it can carry bacteria and grime. Most importantly, let your pet play at their own pace as not all animals enjoy water.
Find a Pet-Friendly Rental on ForRent
Finding a rental that truly welcomes your pets is easier than ever with
ForRent. Use the dedicated pet-friendly filter to instantly narrow your search to listings that accept your furry family members. That means no more scrolling through dozens of places only to find a “no pets” policy buried in the fine print.
But ForRent goes beyond pet filters; it helps you find a place where they’ll actually thrive. Use the amenity filters to search for rentals with a yard, dog park, or other pet-friendly perks that will keep your companion happy, active, and cool all summer long.
This article was originally published by Jessica Hill on July 21, 2016. 
