Stay Cool & Travel Safe With Pets This Summer With These Helpful Tips!

There’s no better time to enjoy your pet than in the summer months. The long, warm days often turn into fun, four-legged memories as you and your pet play, travel or just relax in the sun. There’s no doubt summertime is an exciting season; however there are many safety factors to take into consideration when planning activities with your animal companion.

Whether you’re hanging out at a backyard BBQ, visiting a local park, or packing up for a road trip, be sure to keep these helpful tips and pointers in mind in order to stay cool and travel safe with your beloved pet!

Stay Cool:  

Every summer, veterinarians warn pet owners about the dangers of excessive heat for dogs. Heat stroke has a mortality rate of around 50%, but with prompt and intensive treatment, many dogs can survive. You’re best bet is to avoid and prevent overheating from happening to begin with!

·         Provide your pet with a well-ventilated room with closed curtains on those very hot and humid days.

·         Be sure to brush them daily to avoid matted fur, which traps heat.

·         Provide plenty of water available both indoors and outdoors! When taking your pet to the park, a party or on vacation, be sure to pack a portable water bowl. 

·         Walk your fur-friend early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid the scorching sun and hot pavements.

·         If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure there are plenty of shady spots to rest.

Safe Travels:  

Whether you’re planning to travel by plane, car, boat or train, it’s important for pet owners to prepare for the journey in order to make it a smooth, safe and enjoyable trip for all. Keep in mind: Summer may seem like the perfect time to travel, but unfortunately for our pets there are two major down sides: heat and crowds!

·         Provide your pet with plenty of water. You may want to bring your own water supplies to avoid an upset stomach.

·         Feed your pet 3-4 hours before your departure or car ride to avoid car sickeness.

·         If your pet suffers from travel and crowd anxiety, before resorting to medication consider researching safe products that will help reduce their stress. The AKC Calming Coat for instance, is a safe, affordable, and effective option! 

·         Pack a bag just for your pet with food, bowls, a leash, any medications and a pooper scooper. Bring a favorite toy or blanket to give him a sense of home too.

·         Pet identification is a must, not just for traveling, but for every day use too. A Twigo Tag is a quick way to tag your pet and is great when visiting a new destination. It’s completely silent too! 

·         All pets should be secured and buckled up in a vehicle!

·         Provide smaller pets with a comfortable and durable carrier.

Best Summer Activities:

 People include their pets in more summer activities today than ever before. After all, nine out of ten pet owners consider their pet a member of the family. Here are some fun activities your pet can enjoy with you this season!

·         Take advantage of lakes, beaches and pools. Not only is this great exercise for Fido, but will also help him to stay cool.

·         Keep in mind not all dogs are expert swimmers. Before diving in, please strap on a safety vest. The AKC Flotation Life Vest is a must-have for all swimming pets this summer! 

·         Find an outdoor, pet-friendly restaurant and enjoy a meal with your paw-fect pal!

·         Our pets can enjoy the beach, but be aware that the sand can be extremely hot on your pup’s paw pads. Protect paws with a bootie, like the AKC Paw Tech Dog Boots. These are stylish and comfortable and will protect paws from sharp objects hidden on the beach sand too! 

 

Let’s stay aware and prepared in order to best insure that everyone will have a safe and paw-some time with four-legged friends this summer. Be sure to keep these tips in mind and let the good times roll!