Pet Summer Safety Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather
Summer is the time for barbecues, and while you might throw hot dogs on the grill, you don’t want your beloved companion getting too warm this time of year. Pets can overheat or become dehydrated, so having ways to cool them down ensures they enjoy the sunny weather as much as you do. With a wide range of pet products for cats, dogs and other animals, Tractor Supply offers what you need to help you keep your furry friends safe when temps rise.
Pet Safety Tips to Beat the Heat
Hot and humid weather can feel oppressive, and if you’re uncomfortable, chances are your pet is, too. An overheated dog might pant more than usual or breathe heavily, and some might drool a lot or seem overly tired. Cats display many of the same signs and may also be restless or have a rapid heartbeat. Your pet might be more prone to overheating depending on the breed, its age or weight. Naturally, you want to be more careful with any animals that spend time outside.
Whether you need to protect a loyal pup on walks or help a fierce feline stay cool inside, having the right supplies to keep them safe from hot temps is essential. Check out these tips for pet heat safety:
Wrap Them Up to Cool Down
It’s not just paws that need to stay cool when they’re outside – you want to keep their internal temp at a safe level to prevent overheating. Like many pet parents, you might put your pup in a jacket or sweater when the weather is chilly, so why not consider cooling wraps/vests? Some wrap around their bodies, but if your dog is resistant to clothes, we also have bandanas for their necks.
If your pet spends a lot of time in the backyard, you might put a cooling mat next to their outdoor bed that they can retreat to when they start getting too warm. Even inside, elevated and cooling beds provide more comfort at night so they can sleep soundly. When they tag along on family vacation – or just when you bring them to the vet – find a cooling pad in our selection that will fit their crate or carrier.
Guard Paws from Hot Pavement
There’s nothing many canine companions love more than a walk, and you might get out with them more during the summer than during any other season. You wear a pair of shoes when you go out, but often there’s nothing between your dog’s paws and the asphalt, which gets much hotter than the air. The beach is another fun spot for walks, but the sand can also be warm and uncomfortable on precious paws.
No matter what the temp is outside, they look longingly out the window, but you’re not sure if it’s safe. These steps help with paw protection during their favorite activity of the day:
- Test the ground with your hand – if it’s too hot to handle, their paws might get hurt.
- Find a different route with patches of grass and shade to give their feet a rest.
- Go out early in the morning or wait until after sunset.
Even if you can’t avoid the asphalt, you can still shield their feet from the heat with the dog boots and shoes. If they’ve never worn them before, test them first inside so your pup gets comfortable wearing them when it’s time for a walk.
Prevent Dehydration
Pet hydration is critical during every season, but hot air can make them sweat harder, so they need plenty of water throughout the day. Some animals – especially cats – are reluctant to drink if it’s not in the right location or because they don’t prefer standing water. Get creative to encourage hydration with pet fountains, which add stimulation that draws them over for a drink.
Pets Need UV Protection, Too
It might seem that our furry friends don’t need SPF, but not all pets have the same coats or pigmentation. A white or thin coat or light-colored skin on the nose and eyelids can be especially susceptible to sunburn, but it’s a concern for dogs in general, so make sure to guard them against the effects of UV rays.
Specially formulated pet sunscreen won’t contain the same ingredients as yours, as dogs may be tempted to lick at the cream. These formulas are non-toxic, and you might opt for unscented options that won’t bother their keen sense of smell or water-resistant alternatives if you’re headed to the lake or beach. Trust our inventory for pet-safe creams, as we carry a wide range of lotions, creams and paw balms for nose protection and more during the summer and throughout the year.
Pets might squirm about wearing lotions, so instead of lathering up their entire bodies, reserve sunscreen for the most sensitive areas, such as the nose. Then use pet clothing, such as dog shirts or dog hats, to help shield them from the sun. These can be beneficial on very sunny days, even if the weather isn’t particularly warm – and you can find a host of options for cats and dogs.
Make Cooling Down Fun with Toys
Who says beating the heat can’t be fun? With doggy pools and cooling toys, your pet will look forward to heat waves. Fill up freezable dog toys with water and stick them in the ice box for a few hours to give you pal a stimulating way to help avoid overheating. Some products even come in cute summertime shapes, such as popsicle dog toys, so they can enjoy a treat alongside the kids. Explore the many dog and cat toys we have so they stay stimulated and entertained – even after the heat wave passes.
Practice Pet Safety During Summer with Tractor Supply
You know not to leave your pup or kitty in a hot car, but there’s more to protect them against the effects of the hot summer weather. We have the supplies you need to ensure your pets stay cool during the warmer months, whether they’re out on walks, traveling with you or simply lounging inside. To see our selection, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.