We all love summertime. Who doesn’t enjoy being by the sea or simply enjoying a warmer walk in the park next to your pet?

The arrival of summertime inaugurates a season synonymous with relaxing and having lots of fun. However, don’t lower your guard this season and properly protect yourself and your pets against this summer’s weather conditions.
At ePaw, we’re experts at having safe fun with a genuine passion for your furry friend’s summer care. That’s why we’ve come up with some exclusive word of advice from our team on protecting your pets this summer.

Here are ePaw’s 12 ways to protect your pet this summer:

• Never Leave Your Pet in Your Car

A responsible pet owner knows that dogs (or cats) and hot cars are a dangerous combination. Remember, dogs  don’t sweat the same way we do. Sometimes, this makes it difficult for them to stay cool under certain circumstances.

Just know that exposing your unattended pet to high temperatures in a parked vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Indeed, police will treat an anxious dog in a car as an emergency. So, when observing this type of behaviour, dialling 999 to get police advice is recommended.

• Plenty of Fresh Water

During the summer months, accessing fresh water to stay hydrated is of enormous importance. The most effective way to do this is by keeping your pet’s bowl clean at home. Also, monitoring water’s temperature is another top tip since heat and moisture help to grow bacteria.
Ideally, you’ll carry a bottle of cool water with you when leaving home with your dog. At all times, pay attention and look for signs of dehydration on your dogs like dry nose, excessive panting, and lethargy.

• Protecting Their Paws

Talking about your pawdy friend, did you know that dogs have sweat glands located in their paws?. Although canine paws aren’t as sensitive as human hands and feet, they still are vulnerable.
Warm summer weather can make pavement get very hot and, therefore, burn your dog’s paws. So help your dog by checking his feet regularly. Walking your dogs in shady areas and staying on the grass will allow them to avoid burning. Finally, ensuring that paws are moisturised and trimming their nails are also of use.

Protecting your dog’s paws is key. Checking them on regular basis will be the best preventive measure.

• Accessing Shade

Although dogs enjoy the sunshine as much as we do, some are particularly at risk during the summer season due to their fur type. Ensure field shade is at hand when walking outdoors and provide cooler areas at home for them to rest.
Sometimes, high humidity plays its part too. Humid weather makes it more difficult for dogs to keep themselves cool, so beware!

• Keep Parasites Away

When the summer season arrives, parasites breed and multiply. Some internal parasites will survive in the warmth and heat without many struggles. Therefore, you have to be on the lookout for them!
Preventive measures include controlling water and food temperature and moderating the dog’s exposure to sandy soils. Also, properly deworming pets every month will minimise the risks.

• Planning Walks

Walking with your dog can be a pleasurable experience. Make sure you take time to plan your walking routes. Switching to early morning walks along with late evening ones will help you enjoy safe summer walks. They’ll prove more enjoyable than lengthy afternoon walks under the summer sun.
And, did you know? Sniffing is considered as an appeasing and calming behaviour among dogs. So, given the right environmental conditions, let them sniff freely!

• Cooling-Off Time

It’s critical to have some time off away from the sun and the heat. Having some indoor time with the presence of fans or AC can benefit humans and pets. Also, using a misting spray or a humid towel to help your pet’s feet have rest on those hotter days can keep your doggies cooler.
And when going out and about on those sunny days, make sure to rely on some furry-friendly non-toxic sunscreen.

•  Avoiding Food Poisoning

Having the right food accessible is essential. But avoiding giving your dog certain types of food such as potato crips or gristle is vital too. And, although your furry friend likes tasty treats, some of these are very toxic for them. For instance, eating gristle is a major trigger in increasing the risk of dogs’ pancreatitis.
You can avoid this but promoting the use of consistent whole food meals in your dog’s diet for good weight maintenance. So, remember this when preparing your summer barbecue and keep an eye on what’s going inside your dog’s mouth!

• Planning for Emergencies

Planning for pets emergencies is a must-do. Whether you’re travelling with your pets this summer or you’re leaving them with a trusted petsitter, anticipate having an emergency by getting the contact details of your vet and the closest animal hospital.
When it comes to permanent identification using microchips is a priority. Be sure to keep your pet’s microchip information up to date.

• Keep up With the Medication

Preventive care is always helpful. So, don’t get relax with your Fido’s medication over the summer. For example, the monthly heartworm meds doses shouldn’t be skipped.
Also, be mindful when wanting to get rid of bugs abusing your furry friend since human bus spray may be hazardous to dogs. Always consult your vet for further guidance on medical prescriptions to help your dog to stay free of pests.

• Staying Away From Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Plan your day’s activities well and monitor your pets closely. Learn to identify the signs of overheating leading to having a heatstroke. These may include rapid heartbeat, heavy drooling, higher body temperature, vomiting, seizures, excessive thirst, and/or collapsing.
Prevention starts at home by providing a well-ventilated space for your dog to rest. Using a fan, Taking your dog’s temperature is a great indicator if something’s going wrong too. When you suspect the dog is already having a heatstroke, cooling procedures should be in place before hurrying to the vet.

•  Beware of Pools

Water caution also implies supervising your pet when approaching a pool. Some dogs aren’t natural swimmers and some may be prone to ear infections due to chlorine.

As adventurous as some dogs may get, don’t let them get into the water without supervision and make sure you watch for signs of fatigue or heatstroke too.
When at the beach, be also alert since pups can also accidentally consume saltwater which is extremely toxic for them.

At ePaw, we’re confident you and your pet will enjoy your summer to the fullest. Have a pawperfct summer!

Enjoying a Safe Summer

Summertime is one of the greatest seasons to spend and enjoy some quality time next to your pet. These tips will help you to make the most out of it. Follow these precautions, be safe, and enjoy your time under the summer sun!

Stay tuned to our blogs and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! To discuss any of the items raised in this blog, you can contact Charlotte Fallon at [email protected]