What Are Some Pet Tips to Beat the Summer Heat?

Pet Safety

Husky Swimming

Summer is the time of year when people may choose to spend time outside, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the hottest part of the year. As much as some of us love the summer months, our pets might not feel the same way. Carrying around that big fluffy coat and playing for hours on end can be exhausting, even dangerous. Luckily, Pet Butler has the tips you need to help your pet stay safe and beat the summer heat.  

Tip # 1: Don’t exercise your dog during the hottest parts of the day! If your daily routine includes taking walks around lunchtime, you should consider shifting your schedule to more temperate hours. The best time for your dog to be outside is around sunrise and sunset. Make sure that there’s enough shade for your pet to relax under when enjoying the day. If there are no trees or other shadowy objects in your backyard, think about buying tools like umbrellas to provide sufficient coverage. Another simple way to keep your pet cool, inside or outside, is to buy a fan. Having a nice chilly breeze is always relaxing, and it can help your pet stay comfortable even on the hottest days. 

Tip #2: Playing in the water can help cool off your pet. There are many ways to creatively douse your pups. More energetic dogs love the chance to hop in a kiddie pool or sprinkler, and many pooches have been known to enjoy snacking on hose water or getting misted by spray bottles. But ensure that your hose water is safe for drinking or use filters to make the water potable beforehand. Another water-related activity is going to the local dog beach. Growing in popularity, these areas offer a very entertaining way to let your pet swim around and make new friends. Dog floaties and swim toys are especially helpful in these spaces. 

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Tip #3: A dog’s hydration is especially important. Although dogs don’t sweat as humans do, they still use up extra water in the summertime. Responsible owners need to keep track of the water bowl constantly. Offering water to your dog periodically is highly recommended, especially after they’ve been outside. The number one rule with hydrating in the summer is to not give your pet freezing water. If a pet is experiencing exhaustion or heat stroke, it’s possible for them to go into shock with freezing water. That said, frozen objects are a different story. Icepacks, frozen water bottles, or frozen Ziploc baggies are relaxing items that dogs can enjoy outside. Certain treats like popsicles and frozen bananas (as long as they’re vet-approved) can be a tasty snack, too. 

Tip #4: Take care of your dog’s coat and skin. In the summer, it might be helpful to groom your dog’s coat a little more frequently. Brushing out extra fluff can be very relieving and making sure there are no irritable mats. Also, talk to your veterinarian and groomer about a summer trim. Some dogs benefit from having smaller and shorter coats in hot weather. Just be careful not to trim a dog’s undercoat, and never ever shave your pet: it can be very damaging to their skin and health long-term. There are also dog clothing products that provide similar relief. Cooling collars help chill the neck and chest of hot doggies, and other specialized clothes are available too. The other summertime grooming challenge is taking care of a dog’s skin. Short-haired or bald dogs can sunburn easily, but even dogs with a ton of fur can burn on their ears, nose, and belly can. Try using dog-specific sunscreens or light, breezy clothes to help hide their skin. 

When the summer heat is upon us, we must make sure that we are prepared to help our pets beat the heat. 

At Pet Butler, we want you and your pet to live your best and healthiest lives, which is why we offer pet waste removal and other services year-round. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time clean-up services to work with your schedule.

Dogs in Hot Cars and on Hot Pavement

Pet Safety

Blog Hot Pavements And Hot Cars During The Hot Seasons Featured Image

 

Dogs in Hot Cars

Why Are Hot Cars Dangerous to Dogs?

When pets love to take car rides, it can be hard to resist their excitement when they know their owner is going for a ride. Their wagging tails and smiles that come after they hear their owners putting on shoes and grabbing the car keys are easy to give into. But when it’s summertime and the sun is scorching, it’s best to leave your furry friends at home if possible. Going from point A to point B with your pup is OK, but if you have to leave your pet in the car for even a few minutes, it can be hazardous. Leaving your pet inside a locked vehicle is an extremely dangerous practice. While a quick trip to the store is undoubtedly more fun with your furry co-pilot, it’s safest to leave them at home unless you’re headed to a pet-friendly facility.

In general, it is safe to leave your pet for 5 minutes or less when the temperature outside is between 32-70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have to take your dog with you when running an errand, lock the car door, crack multiple windows, park your car in a shaded spot within your visual distance and make your trip fast, no more than a few minutes.

A car is essentially a heat conductor and will rise to temperatures above 115 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes. Dogs can experience signs of heat exhaustion when their internal temperature rises to 103 degrees; panting, drooling, muscle tremors, abnormally colored gums, weakness or vomiting can all be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.  

What Do I Do if I See a Dog in a Locked Car?

If you witness an unsupervised pet in a vehicle, write down the make, model and license plate information. You can attempt to locate the owner by stopping inside the nearest business and asking for help. If the owner isn’t promptly located, the next step is to call the authorities. Many states issue fines or have other legal consequences for leaving pets in locked, unattended cars. 

In our pet-centric world, it’s not difficult to find stores that welcome well-behaved, leashed pets as guests. Some even offer their visitors special treats and attention. Here is a list of most retailers to be pet-friendly and encourage their patronage: Petco, Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply Co, Nordstrom, The Apple Store, Bass Pro Shops, Pottery Barn, LUSH, Orvis, Old Navy, The Gap, TJ Maxx, Petsmart, and Macy’s. Other stores and restaurants permit pets on outdoor patios. It’s a good habit to always call ahead, though, as even some pet-friendly chains have local restrictions. 

 pet emergency disaster preparedness

Dogs on Hot Pavement 

In general, the darker the road surface, the more sunshine and heat it will absorb. That makes black asphalt one of the more dangerous surfaces on which to stroll. Artificial turf also absorbs a considerable amount of heat. White concrete or grass, with the cool dirt underneath, are safer places to hike.

One good rule of paw: if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your hound! You can test the safety of the surface by placing the backside of your hand against it. Wait 7 seconds. If your hand is uncomfortable and you need to move it away, it is too hot for your pet’s feet. For a frame of reference, an ambient temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit will heat the pavement to 125 degrees. At 87 degrees, it reaches a scalding 143 degrees! Ouch!  

Skin destruction and burns occur at 125 degrees Fahrenheit in just 60 seconds. First-degree burns of the paw pad epidermal layer result in redness and pain but tend to resolve in a few days. Pain control and cool compresses can help soothe the affected area. Second- and third-degree burns damage more layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These burns result in blistering, peeling, infection, pain and sometimes permanent loss of sensation in the affected area. They are best treated by a veterinarian and can take weeks to months to heal. 

How Do I Protect My Pet’s Paws From Hot Pavement?

You can protect your dog’s feet by steering clear of midday walks, choosing safer surfaces, looking for shaded areas or providing mechanical protection for their paws like dog booties or socks.

Paw balms such as Musher’s Secret can provide a bit of a barrier from the elements while soothing dry, cracked paws. They are best to nourish feet but won’t provide complete protection your pet’s skin needs on a hot day. Rubber booties or those with a latex bottom are best outdoors. Not only do they provide traction, but the rubber soles protect delicate feet. Find a pair that fits well without causing constriction or chafing. Ideally, find booties or socks that are machine washable.  

At Pet Butler, we strive to keep pets healthy whether it’s by providing guidance on how to stay safe during the summer heat or by cleaning up their waste. Learn about our poop scooping services and more. 

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