10 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Cool During the Summer Heat

With the arrival of summer, and with it summer vacation for your kids, you will probably be spending as much time as you can outdoors. As diligent as you are about sun and heat safety for your family, you have to be just as cautious for your pets. Here are tips to help you keep your pets safe and cool during the hot and steamy summer months.

1. Keep plenty of cold, fresh water available. Your dog, and even cats, need to stay hydrated in the heat. If your dog is outside, their water bowl will heat up quicker than usual. A great way to keep the water cool - toss a few ice cubes in the bowl.
2. Make sure there's a shaded area of the yard for your pets to lay in. Some animals love to lounge in the sun, but even so, make sure there is space in the shade for them to relax and cool off in.
3. Give them enough room. If you have your dog on a leash or lead in your yard, be sure to give them enough slack so they can reach their water bowl or the shady area to keep cool.
4. Pool safety is key. If you have younger children, chances are you have a pool gate or fence set up already. If not, make sure you're aware of where your dog is around the pool. Some dogs love to swim, but others may not.
5. Have the right summer gear. If you have a pool in your backyard, you may want to consider getting your pet a life jacket. They are available at a number of retailers like Pets Warehouse Long Island, Petco, PetSmart, and online, like Amazon. A cooling pet bed can keep your pet comfortable in the heat. Also, have pet sunscreen on hand. Your pets can get sunburned too, and as painful as it is for you to get burned, it's even more so for your pets, especially for breeds with sensitive skin, like English Bulldogs.
6. Check for fleas, ticks, and insect bites. With extra time spent outside, the chances of your dog getting bit increase dramatically. Be sure to check your dog's coat regularly for fleas, ticks, or insect bites. Early detection can prevent an infestation, and in some cases of insect bites, allergic reactions.
7. Do NOT leave your pet in the car. This should go without saying, but still people insist on leaving their pets unattended in their car as they run into the store. Even with the windows open, your pet can suffer a heat stroke in MINUTES. Whatever you went into the store for - IT IS NOT WORTH IT. Would you leave your kids alone in the car?
8. Consider keeping your pets inside with a fan or AC on at the hottest points of the day. It may be wise to bring your pets inside from noon to around 3pm, when the sun is the hottest. If you do, be sure to keep the area cool with either a fan or AC.
9. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet. A good rule of thumb - if you can't stand the heat, your pet can't either. This applies to outdoor or indoor pets.
10. Know the signs of heatstroke. Dark red or purple gums, vomiting, lethargy, and restlessness are just some of the signs your pet may be overheating and is in danger of a heatstroke. Be aware of your pets' symptoms, and if you think he or she may be overheating, apply ice packs to their skin, move to an air conditioned area to lower their body temperature, and get them to the vet ASAP.