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The weather in the summer months is ideal for outdoor activities, exploration, and fun. The warmer temperatures can be tough on your animal friends, though. Be sure to take precautions with your pets in the heat so you can both enjoy all that summer has to offer. Start with these five tips to help keep your pets cool this summer.
1. Never leave your pet in a hot car. Ever. Even for a minute with the AC running and the windows cracked. On an 85-degree day, the temps inside a car with its windows cracked can break 100 degrees in minutes. Some states are even pursuing laws that would make leaving your pet in a hot car a criminal offense.
2. Save exercise for very early or very late in the day. Your pets can still get their daily walks in the summer months if you make smart choices about when the exercise occurs. Outdoor temperatures are significantly lower early in the morning and late at night when the sun is not so intense. Plan to exercise your pets in those cooler hours.
3. Seek out shady outdoor spaces. If you do spend time outdoors in the heat of the day, seek out parks and outdoor spaces that provide plenty of shade. Allow your pet to take frequent breaks in the cooler shade.
4. Provide plenty of water. Whether you are in your apartment or out for a walk, provide your pet with fresh, cool water to drink. Pack a small bag with a bowl and a few bottles of water to take along if you leave home.
5. Recognize the signs of heatstroke. Any pet can succumb to heatstroke, but overweight, very old or very young pets are especially at risk. The Humane Society warns you to watch for these signs of heatstroke:
- heavy panting
- glazed eyes
- rapid heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- excessive thirst
- lethargy
- fever
- dizziness
- lack of coordination
- profuse salivation
- vomiting
- deep red or purple tongue
- seizure
- unconsciousness
Your pets count on you for protection, so keep them healthy and cool all through the summer! Planning on traveling with your pet this summer? Check out ForRent’s tips for traveling with your pet.
In general, when training a puppy or dealing with a dog that has anxiety issues, it’s better to crate-train your dog and have them sleep in a crate. Here’s a good resource: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/crate_training.html