{"id":3838,"date":"2020-06-05T11:20:49","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T15:20:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/?p=3838"},"modified":"2023-09-21T10:59:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T14:59:24","slug":"summer-safety-for-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/summer-safety-for-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Safety for Dogs and Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article is contributed by guest writer, Emily G. (Author of <\/em>Cattail Gardens<\/em><\/a>).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer Safety for Dogs and Cats<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Temperatures are on the rise signifying the start of\nsummer. While the hot weather gives you a chance to go out and enjoy some sun,\nbe aware that the hot temperatures can be dangerous for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While humans sweat to remain cool in hot weather, cats and dogs sweat glands provide them with traction to protect their paws while they\u2019re walking rather than thermoregulation. Thus, during this hot weather, your pet will rely on you to keep them cool. Here\u2019s how you can help your furry friend cope with summer heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Pauline Loroy via Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer safety tips for\ndogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs pant to keep themselves cool. Unfortunately,\nduring hot months the air they are taking in is often too hot, which means\npanting may be less effective in keeping them cool. Here are a few things you\ncan do to keep your pup cool during this weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t leave your dog in your car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every summer, many pets die due to heat exposure in vehicles. Between 2009 and 2018, the RSPCA received<\/a> 64,443 cases of pet\u2019s heat exposure in England and Wales, and 90% of these cases involved dogs in vehicles. You should never leave your dog in the car even with windows open. On a hot day, a car is like a furnace, and it takes just six minutes<\/a> for a dog to die in a hot car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Provide your dog with lots of water and shade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Drinking lots of water is one of the ways dogs keep cool in summer. If you are going for a walk, ensure you carry a bottle of clean, fresh water for your dog. If you must leave your pet in the house, provide several bowls of clean, fresh water just in case one of the containers gets knocked over. You can also give your dog more wet food during the hot months to protect them from dehydration. If you have to take your dog for a walk, ensure you do so in the early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is cooler. Further, walk them in shady areas to protect them from the direct heat. Always ensure they are on a leash as they might get lost<\/a> while running after a rabbit or another dog. Let your dog soak in a shallow swimming pool<\/a> during scorching hot weather but ensure this is done under supervision to protect them from drowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Anna Stampfli via Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Keep your dog’s paws cool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your pup\u2019s sensitive paws shouldn\u2019t walk on hot\npavement, asphalt, or metal. Such hot surfaces will not only burn their paws,\nbut the heat will also increase their body temperature. Even riding with your\ndog on an open pickup truck is extremely dangerous. The hot dark truck metal\nsurface can result in overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Apply sunscreen on your dog\u2019s light-colored nose and ears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs and cats, just like humans, can get sunburn and skin cancer. Apply a dog recommended sunscreen on your pet\u2019s light-colored coat, ears, and nose to protect them from the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer safety tips for\ncats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats enjoy sunbathing and lazing around in hot\nweather. But they still need to keep cool, and this is possible with a little\nhelp from their pet parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ensure your cat isn\u2019t confined in hot areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although cats like to bask in the sun during a hot\nday, they can also suffer from a heatstroke. This often occurs when they\u2019re\ntrapped in hot areas such as a greenhouse, a car, an apartment, or a\nconservatory. Ensure your pet isn\u2019t confined in such areas.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your furry friend is indoors, ensure you have a\nfan or air conditioning that keeps the house cool. You can also keep the\ncurtains drawn, and the blinds closed to keep the house cool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your cat is outdoors<\/a> ensure you keep a watchful eye on them. There are many temptations during summer and it takes just a second for your cat to get lost<\/a> or get injured while running on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Dimitri Houtteman via Unsplash<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Don\u2019t shave your cat\u2019s hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your cat\u2019s coat helps to keep them cool during hot\nweather and warm during the cold months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can trim your cat\u2019s fur, but don\u2019t shave it.\nYou\u2019ll note that your cat will regularly groom themselves during hot days. This\nis nothing to worry about as it\u2019s a cooling mechanism, just like sweating in\nhumans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Check your cat\u2019s paws <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cat\u2019s sweat glands are found on their paws. Wet paws are a sign that your cat needs to cool off. Dipping the paws in water helps to cool your cat\u2019s body temperature. Don\u2019t forget to provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean water even when they\u2019re outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give special attention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some pets need special treatment during the summer\nmonths. Such pets include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n