Summer is here!
So is Pet Shield’s summer pet care guide! We all can get so caught up in summer fun that sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves, let alone our pets. That’s why we’ve put together some short safety tips to keep in mind for a carefree summer with your best friend.
Keep your pet hydrated & cool
Especially during heat waves! Dogs and cats are more susceptible to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening for them. Always make sure your pet has plenty of water. Putting some ice cubes in your pet’s water will help cool them down. They may also need a shady area to relax in. If you have air conditioning, this can be extremely helpful. Use your judgement on days that it’s simply too hot, and only take your pet out for necessities.
Keep your pet’s paws away from hot surfaces
Did you know that your pet’s paws are just as sensitive to heat as bare human feet? Make sure to avoid blistering hot surfaces. It can be painful to step onto a hot surface or hot sand, even for just a moment. It’s best to avoid areas like this while waling – stick to grass or other cool surfaces. You can also walk your pet during cooler morning or evening hours to avoid the heat.
Avoid fleas and ticks!
Ticks come out when it’s as low as +4 degrees Celsius! So it’s important to start watching for them early. Avoid wooded, bushy areas when out and about, and examine your pet for parasites after being outside. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered repellants. Check our our blog article to get the full 411 on tick and flea prevention!
Do NOT leave your pet in the car
Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even with your window cracked, and especially not when it’s hot and sunny. The inside of cars can heat up incredibly quickly in the summer. If you’re in a situation where your pet will need to wait in the car, have another person with you to stay with them in the car and keep the air conditioning running.
Keep your pet’s ears dry
We can all get ear infections during the hot summer months after spending time in water. But our pets are even more susceptible to these infections. There’s said to be a 15% increase in ear infections for pets during late summer months. You can dry your pet’s ears with a towel after they play in the water to help prevent ear infections.
There you have it! Of course, the number one way to keep your pet protected is… pet insurance! Get a free online quote today or call us at 1-844-421-2121 to see just how easy it is to ensure your pet is covered no matter what.
