Summer tips for the wellbeing of our pets
Welcome back to my blog!! I bet everyone is enjoying this peachy heat that Texas is known for. This heat can certainly affect our pets in a negative way, which is why I want to focus this blog on how to care for our pets during these hot months.
As we all know, Texas summers are brutal, and our pets feel it even more intensely than we do. Imagine wearing a jacket and walking barefoot on hot pavement—that is how it feels for them! To keep your pets safe, avoid walking them during peak heat hours. Instead, take them out early in the morning or late in the evening and test the ground with your hand or foot to ensure it is not too hot. Pet booties are an option too, though your furry kiddos might need time to adjust to them (make sure to take videos of this process lol).
Cooling off in a pool or lake can be a fantastic way to beat the heat, especially If your pet enjoys the water! Consider using pet-friendly sunscreen, especially for light-colored or short-haired animals. You can also use baby sunscreen, but be cautious of products with ingestion warnings. Focus on applying it to areas like the nose, paws, ears, and belly, so pretty much the areas with little to no hair. Reapply as needed, just as you would for yourself.
I truly think this one should be common sense, but we need to mention it: never, ever leave your pet in a car without air conditioning, not even for a moment!! Cars can heat up dangerously fast! Also, please make sure your kiddos always have access to fresh water at all times, particularly during the hot summer months.
The Fourth of July is a highlight of summer for our country, but it can be terrifying for pets due to fireworks. Consider having a white noise machine or the TV on and also keeping your kiddo in a room away from the outside walls. To manage their fears, you can also consider trying products like the ThunderShirt, Zylkene supplement, Adaptil for dogs, or Feliway for cats. If you have tried these and they do not work, please ask us ahead of time about a possible prescription to help your pet cope.
Summer is also a time for social gatherings, often including our furry family members. Make sure your pets are up-to-date with their annual exams and vaccinations, which should be tailored to their specific lifestyle needs. Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is crucial, especially here in Texas. If you see your kiddo excessively panting, please make sure to retire your pet from hot areas and offer water right away. If you were to see that your kiddo has excessive salivation, bright red gums, or is lethargic or collapses, please go to a veterinary emergency hospital right away, as these could be signs associated with heat stroke and this is very dangerous.
I hope that these tips will help you provide the best care for your pets this summer and please feel free to consult with us to develop a personalized care plan. Have a great week and abrazos for everyone!!