8 Summer Safety Tips for Dog & Cat Owners

The season for outdoor fun is here, and with it comes several reasons to be proactive with pet care. Fortunately, practicing good Summer safety for pets doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. To help you out, we’ve outlined a few tips to help you identify potential pet concerns as the summer fun unfolds.

Help pets relax during summer celebrations

As many pet lovers know, the pops and crackles of fireworks can really stress out pets and cause unnecessary levels of anxiety. Even if the whole family is outside enjoying the celebrations, keep in mind that this is one situation where pets may be better off not being included. To help relax your dog, exercise them beforehand, keep them indoors, close windows and doors, and create white noise by turning on the radio, TV, or a fan.

Your cat will probably hide under a bed or couch, but you can try to get your dog’s mind off the loud noises by teaching them a new trick or playing a game like fetch or tug-of-war. 

Trupanion’s on-staff veterinarian, Dr. Caroline Wilde, also recommends identifying safe spaces where pets can get away, like a bathroom with no windows. Be sure to read more firework tips before celebrating around your pets.

Stay up to date with flea and tick treatments

A huge part of summer safety for pets involves flea and tick prevention. These critters enjoy the warm sunny weather just as much as you do. Make sure to stay up to date with your pet’s flea and tick treatments and heartworm prevention medication. There are a lot of options, so ask your veterinarian which is best for your pet.

Already a problem? Learn how to get rid of fleas on your pet and in your home.

Protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces

Have you ever walked barefoot across asphalt, concrete, or sand on a hot, sunny day? Ouch! Your pet’s paws are just as sensitive to this heat as your bare feet are. In fact, it's a good idea to keep in mind that if it's too hot for you to touch with your bare foot or hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

To avoid these blistering hot surfaces, walk your pet during the cooler morning or evening hours, or stick to grass and other surfaces that stay cooler. You may also want to consider protective booties for dogs that are specifically intended for hot sidewalks and rough gravel (as opposed to winter-only protective gear).

Keep your pet cool and hydrated

Dogs and cats are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. To keep your pet cool and hydrated, provide plenty of water and shade or keep them in a cool, air-conditioned room. And that’s not all—we’ve got more tips for keeping pets hydrated. /h5>

Learn the signs and what to do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke.

Signs of pet heatstroke

• Panting or salivating excessively
• Weakness
• Staggering or walking unsteadily
• Vomiting
• Deep red or purple tongue
• Dry gums
• Glazed eyes
• Rapid pulse

What to do

• Immediately call your veterinarian
• Move your pet to a cooler area
• Avoid sudden cooling (like putting your pet in an ice bath) /li>
• Apply isopropyl alcohol 70% to their paw pads, place a cool damp towel on their back, and allow them to drink small amounts of water

Provide fresh, clean water

Going on a hike or spending the day at the beach? Bring plenty of fresh, clean water for your pet to drink. Salt from ocean water and microscopic parasites in lakes, streams, and puddles can make your pet sick. While most dogs can swim, not all dogs are meant for a life in the water.

Flat-faced dog breeds, like French Bulldogs or Pugs, often struggle to swim because of their short snouts and broad chests. If your pet is a swimmer, keep an eye on them and make sure they have an easy way to get out of the water— you can also get a life jacket for your furry friend. Be sure to read more water safety tips before you take your dog swimming.

Keep your pet's ears dry

Does your dog love to play in the water during the summer? It’s a great way to cool off, but also a great way for them to wind up with an ear infection, especially for dogs with floppy ears. Drying your pup’s ears with a towel after they play in water helps prevent ear infections.

According to Trupanion’s claim data, there is a 15% increase in ear infections during the late summer months.

Never leave your pet in the car

It’s no secret that pets and cars on a sunny day do not mix. The temperature inside a vehicle is drastically warmer than the temperature outside, even with the windows cracked. If you see a pet in danger, say something:

What to do for pets in hot cars

• Alert business management
• Call police or animal control
• Record vehicle information: make, model, color, license plate
• Stay with the pet until help arrives—you can save a life!

Need to run errands? Do your pet a favor and leave them at home. Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even with a window cracked, and especially not in the sun. If you need to take your furry friend with you, have another person stay with them in the car and keep the air conditioning running.

Keep an eye out for allergies

Allergies hit humans hard in the spring, but pets are most affected by allergies in late summer—specifically in August. Pets can be allergic to almost all of the same things as humans, and their symptoms are often similar to ours as well. Think your pet has allergies? Call your veterinarian to discuss a treatment plan that best suits your pet.

According to Trupanion’s claim data, there is a 15% increase in ear infections during the late summer months.

Keep checking in with Pet Parenting for seasonal pet health tips throughout the year!