As the temperatures soar, it is natural to start thinking about summer safety, such as using plenty of sunscreen and staying hydrated. In truth, however, your pets needs just as much care in the summer as you do. Here are 5 tips to help keep your pets safe in sweltering temps.
Don’t Leave Them in the Car
In as little as 15 minutes, the interior temperature of a car can rise by more than 25 degrees. Within an hour, it can raise more than 45 degrees. Even parking in the shade is not enough to keep your pets cool if the outside temperature is hot enough. If you really have to take your pets with you somewhere, take a leash and tie them up outside for the least amount of time possible.
Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced
If your air conditioner goes out during the day, it can have the same effect as leaving your pets in a hot car. By getting your air conditioner serviced, you can help ensure that it keeps your pets safe and cool throughout the summer. The important thing is to keep the temperature of your home at a save level. Simply pointing a fan at your pets wouldn’t cool them down in the same way it would for a human family member.
Fill a Small Pool or Tub with Water
Chances are good that you will need to leave your pets outdoors for at least a little while in the summer. You can help keep them cool by filling up a small children’s pool or large, shallow tub, depending on the size of your pets. It doesn’t have to be large enough for them to swim in, just large enough for them to sit or lay in.
Be Careful of Hot Pavement
When outside temperatures are a moderate 77 degrees, blacktop can reach a scorching hot temperature of up to 125 degrees. If you are unsure of the heat of pavement, hold the back of your hand down on it for 11 seconds. If it gets uncomfortable to keep it there that long, it is too hot for your pets. Also keep in mind, blacktop will hold in heat so it will still be uncomfortably hot several hours after the sun goes down.
Trim Long-Haired Dogs
All dogs grow an undercoat of fur in the winter to provide additional insulation that they shed in the spring. Therefore, even long-haired dogs are not as well insulated in the summer but extra fur can still make them hot and uncomfortable. While you may love their long, luxurious coat, they will most likely be comfortable with a little less fur in the summer.
If something makes you hot and uncomfortable, chances are good it makes your pets hot and uncomfortable as well. Pets can also suffer from dehydration just like humans, so make sure they always have plenty of water, particularly if you take them on a walk in the heat.
Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds
