If you live in Souther California like I do you are probably trying to avoid the heat. It’s so important for pets to stay safe during the summer months, especially when they are outdoor animals. Many cats, dogs and even horses can be overcome by the heat. Here are a few quick tips to keep your animals safe during the hot summer months.
- Always have a shaded area for your pets to retreat to. This can be a dog house, igloo, overhang from the house, or a cooled garage.
- Keep plenty of water available. This is a must!!! Animals can’t live without water, and during the summer months their water bowls can dry up quickly from evaporation. Many pet companies now sell special outdoor water bowls that can be attached to your hose to ensure a fresh water supply all day 7 days a week.
- Grooming your pet. Most animals will shed naturally, but if you have a long-haired dog or cat, it can take awhile for them to shed out their undercoats. There are several brands of specialty desheding combs that remove loose hair. This is also great if your pet frequently comes indoors. This way they won’t shed all over the house.
- Check your pets food. Many times during the summer, bugs and other insects change their habitats as well. Ever get Ants during the summer? Make sure your pets food is not overcome with bugs, insects or any type of harmful bacteria. Make sure your pet has fresh food every day. Even if they don’t all their food, it’s best to throw out the left overs. Even small flies and other invisible bacteria can start to develop very quickly. You wouldn’t eat left over, day old food if it was sitting out all day would you? Especially not if it was sitting outside for a whole day!
- Love your pet. Loving your pet means keeping it healthy. Not only diet but exercise too. If you don’t have much of a yard for your animals to roam around in, take them to the local park or beach if you can. Some beaches restrict pets, so just do your research about local and state beaches before going. If you are going to a local park, again, make sure your pet has a water source and a place to cool down. It’s great fun to play with your pets at the park, but keep them safe too. Keep them at a safe distance from other Pets and small children, unless you know them or have your pet on a retraint such as a lease or harness. Just be courteous.
The most important part of taking care of your pet, is realizing that they are just like humans. They survive off the same essential things that we do, so treat them like you would yourself or a family member. Keep your pets safe during the summer and they’ll continue loving you just as they always have!!
