North States Blog

As temperatures rise throughout the summer, it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves as well as our furry friends.

The summer months can be difficult for your pets with the unpredictability of rising temperatures. Our furry friends feel the heat differently than we do—they don’t have sweat glands and have thick fur. Instead, they thermoregulate by panting to get the air moving over their tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. Because pets have a harder time with warm weather, it’s important to try to keep them cool during the dog days of summer! Here are some tips and tricks to help your pet beat the heat.

Tip 1: Always Have Water Available.

Pets can get dehydrated rather quickly. An increase in heat and activity increases the need for more water. Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have a fresh and cool supply of water. Change your pet’s water frequently and keep it easily accessible to them. You could also freeze a water bowl or use ice cubes to keep the water cool.

Tip 2: Never Leave Your Pets In The Car.

It is very dangerous to leave your pet in your car on a hot summer day. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside a car can soar. The inside of a car can get to be 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Avoid any issues that may arise by leaving your furry friend at home where they can be safe and cool, or taking them places that they can come inside with you.

Tip 3: Keep Your House Cool. 

If your pet is at home during the day, make sure they are kept cool, even if you’re away. You can do so by turning on the AC or opening up windows and turning on fans. Make sure your pet has a cool place to lie down, like a tile floor or an elevated pet bed with ventilation. Cooling beds are also a great way for your pet to self-cool while being comfortable. Check out these cooling beds available at Chewy.com.

Tip 4: Play In The Water.

A great way for your pets to cool down while still having fun outside is in a splash pool. Our MyPet Pet Bath/Splash Pool serves a dual purpose; it is a convenient place to bathe and a fun place for your pet to splash around and play.  The pools is available in a 48 inch size, perfect for dogs of any breed. They also contain a built-in leash retainer clip and mesh caddy to hold dog toys and bathing supplies. Just be sure to supervise your pet while they play in water, and don’t fill it up too high if you have a small dog or puppy.

Tip 5: Check The Pavement.

Before going on a walk, check the pavement to be sure it is not too hot for your furry friend’s feet. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it will also be too hot for their sensitive paws. Try taking walks in the early morning or late evening to avoid the direct heat during the day.

Tip 6: Find Some Shade.

When you are outside with your pet, it is always a good idea to spend time in the shade to let them cool off. Your pet may get very uncomfortable being in direct sunlight, especially during the sun’s peak hours from 10am – 2pm. Pets cannot cool down very effectively due to their thick fur, so they rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. The shade is a perfect spot to take a break and let them catch their breath! If you don’t have shade-providing trees in your yard, consider a patio umbrella or portable sun shade for both yourself and your pet.

Tip 7: Make Your Own Puppy Popsicles.

Who doesn’t love a frozen treat on a hot summer day? A yummy treat will have your dog’s tail wagging in no time! These 8 Homemade Frozen Dog Treat recipes from Rover are healthy treats but will keep your dog cool too.

Every pet parent’s top priority is keeping their animal safe and happy.  These tips are great reminders for doing just that in the summer season.