We are all very excited about the warm weather, and summer is just around the corner. That means cookouts, beach days, and sunshine. Your pets are excited to get outside too. Just as humans need protection from the heat, so do our furry friends. Here are some basic tips you should keep in mind this summer to protect your pets.
Always bring water
Fresh air is great for both you and your four-legged friend. Take them on walks, run around in the yard, and play fetch in the park. All of those are great activities for exercising and bonding this summer. Just make sure you bring plenty of water for both of you. For your pet, the rule of thumb is half a cup of water per 10 pounds of pet. If your pet weight 30 pounds bring at least a cup and a half of water for the trip.
Avoid hot cars
You want to take your pet with you when you go places, and that’s fine. However, you can never leave them in a hot car unattended. Your car interior can heat up very quickly, even with the windows open. In fact, temperatures can exceed 130 degrees in a matter of minutes. The hot air can damage their lungs and brain. If you can’t take them inside with you at your stops, you might need to leave them home.
Prevent fleas and ticks
You and your pets aren’t the only ones itching to get outside in the warm weather. Fleas and ticks start rearing their ugly heads when it gets warm out. A female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. Fleas can not only harm your pet with itching, they can also bring Lyme disease or other harmful diseases. Make sure you start using regular flea and tick preventative when it starts getting warm out to protect your pets.
Summer is one of the best times of year to get outside and play. Your pets are excited to get outside like you are, but you need to make sure you’re protecting them. Just like you need protection, so do your pets. Follow these tips and have a fun, safe summer!
