Do you enjoy summertime adventures with your pet? Although this is the season you spend the most time outdoors with your pet, the summer heat can be dangerous for your furry friend. Fortunately, with the right supplies, you can ensure your pet is prepared for the high temperatures and help them remain safe and comfortable all summer long. Our Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital team shares eight must-haves for a pet-safe summer. 

#1: Encourage your pet to hydrate by providing an insulated water bowl 

Hydration is essential to your pet’s health, especially during the summer months. Pets need constant access to cool, fresh water, and an insulated water bowl keeps their water cold. Simply freeze the bowl’s insert overnight, and your pet’s water will remain fresh and cool for up to eight hours. 

#2: Offer your pet a drink on the go with a portable water bowl

Keeping your pet hydrated can become a hassle when you’re out and about. Lightweight and collapsible pet water bowls are easy to carry in a bag or attach to a leash, making them a convenient way to help keep your pet hydrated wherever you go. 

#3: Block the sun with a pet canopy 

Your pet may enjoy basking in the sun, but too much direct sun exposure can cause your pet to overheat. A pet shade canopy provides a cool spot for your four-legged friend to rest and shelter from the sun, reducing their overheating and heatstroke risk. A fabric pet canopy attaches to a frame that you can place over your pet’s bed, giving them a shaded area from which they can enjoy the great outdoors without the sun’s powerful rays harming them. 

#4: Let your pet lounge comfortably in an elevated bed 

An elevated bed raises your pet off the hot ground and allows the air to circulate beneath, helping your four-legged friend stay cool. In addition, by taking pressure off your furry pal’s joints, an elevated bed provides support to a senior pet or one who has a joint condition, such as arthritis. The hard ground can inflame sore hips and knees. Getting up and down from the floor puts more pressure on these joints, which can be painful for your pet, but an elevated bed makes getting in and out much easier. Elevated beds are also durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor use.

#5. Provide extra comfort with a pet cooling vest

A cooling vest can be a lifesaver for breeds that are susceptible to overheating. Simply wet the garment with cold water, wring it out, and put the vest on your pet. The evaporating water cools your pet’s body. Some cooling vests also come with gel packs that can be refrigerated or frozen to be inserted into the garment for additional cooling. Your pet will appreciate the extra cooling comfort when spending time outdoors in the heat. 

#6: Protect your pet from ultraviolet rays with pet-safe sunscreen

All pets are susceptible to sunburn, especially those with short or light-colored fur.

Sunburn can lead to skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, and hemangiomas. Do not apply sunscreen intended for humans to your pet, because zinc oxide, an ingredient in most of these products, is dangerous for pets. Choose a pet-safe sunscreen that provides a protective barrier against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which helps prevent your four-legged friend from getting sunburned and reduces their skin cancer risk. 

#7. Let your pet swim safely with a pet life vest

You may think that all dogs are natural-born swimmers, but some dogs have trouble staying afloat, especially when they get tired. Regardless of their swimming ability, your pet should always wear a life vest when in the water. This garment will provide your four-legged friend with the buoyancy they need to stay afloat and keep their head up and out of the water. A life vest also makes your pet more visible in the water, making it easier to supervise them and keep them safe. 

#8. Protect your pet’s paws with paw balm

Hot surfaces, such as sun-soaked asphalt and sand, can injure your pet’s paws. While the best way to keep your pet’s paws from becoming burned is to prevent them from coming in contact with a hot surface, you can also use a paw balm for added protection. A paw balm provides a protective moisture layer on your pet’s paw pads, preventing burns and cracks. Look for paw balms that are nontoxic and hypoallergenic.

By having these eight essential items on hand, you help ensure that your pet will stay safe and comfortable this summer, enjoying the great outdoors as much as you do. Always monitor your pet outdoors and bring them inside if they show overheating signs such as heavy panting, lethargy, or disorientation. If you have questions about keeping your pet safe this summer or want to schedule their annual wellness exam, contact our Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital team.