Summer is heating up and so are the many seasonal delicacies. From backyard barbecues to perfect picnics, summer food staples are sizzlingly scrumptious. However, your summertime snacks aren’t the only thing sizzling, and scorching temperatures can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to your pet’s comfort and safety. When cooking any delicious dish, a good recipe can make all the difference, and our team at The Gentle Vet has put together a recipe that will ensure your pet stays safe in the heat. For a sweet and safe summer with your pet, follow our recipe closely 

#1: Add a liberal amount of water to your pet’s bowl

Water is the ingredient that holds this recipe together, and you never need to worry about adding too much. Hydration is essential for pets and people, with water supporting every bodily function. While you should monitor your pet’s water intake year-round, doing so is particularly important during summer’s heat. A pet who doesn’t drink enough water can quickly become dehydrated, which can lead to overheating. To encourage your pet to stay hydrated, follow these tips: 

  • Provide multiple water bowls — Place water bowls throughout your house and yard, so your pet can easily take a drink wherever they go. Check your pet’s bowls throughout the day, and refill them with cool, fresh water when they are running low. 
  • Keep water cool — To keep your pet’s water cool for a longer period, try an insulated pet bowl that you can freeze overnight. You can also add ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl, but ensure they don’t deter your four-legged friend from taking a drink.
  • Bring water with you — When you and your pet head outdoors for a walk, picnic, hike, or any other summer adventure, bring plenty of water and a portable pet bowl. Set multiple alarms on your phone so you remember to offer your pet several water breaks during your outing. 

#2: Combine outdoor activity with a spoonful of shade 

Like water, you can’t include too much shade when temperature and humidity levels skyrocket. For this recipe to be a success, ensure your pet has adequate shade when outdoors. Mature trees and large shrubs can provide your pet with excellent natural shade. A covered patio can be a shaded retreat, but ensure the enclosure provides enough ventilation to help cool off your pet.  You can also create a shaded area by using sun sails, a pergola, or a large umbrella.

#3: Prevent your pet’s paws from baking on hot surfaces

Baking is great for cookies and treats, but not for your pet’s sensitive paw pads. If you’ve ever blistered your feet walking barefoot across hot asphalt or sand, you know how your pet’s paws feel when they traverse an equally hot surface. Consider our no-bake pet heat safety recipe:  Before you set out with your pet, place your hand on the surface you intend to walk. If you can’t hold your hand on the surface for 10 seconds, the surface is too hot for your furry pal, and you should trek on the grass or a dirt path, or wait until a cooler time of day. 

#4: Offer your pet frozen treats

On a scorching summer day, nothing is sweeter than a bowlful of ice cream. Your furry pal can enjoy their own version of this summer staple. Follow our healthy pet-safe recipe to serve up a frozen, healthy treat that will help your four-legged friend beat the heat: Combine plain low-fat yogurt with blueberries or bananas, add a hint of peanut butter, and freeze. Many pets also enjoy slices or chunks of frozen seedless watermelon, which provide extra hydration.

#5: Watch for signs indicating that your pet is roasting

Heatstroke is a dangerous, potentially deadly condition in which a pet’s body cannot overcome extreme internal temperatures. Heatstroke usually occurs because of overexertion on a hot day, or of being left unattended in a parked car or outside without adequate water and shade. Heatstroke requires immediate veterinary attention. Common heatstroke signs include:

  • Heavy panting
  • Drooling
  • Red gums
  • Rapid breathing and fast heart rate
  • Dull or distant look
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

If your pet shows any heatstroke signs, bring them indoors. Wet down your pet with cool—never cold—water and seek immediate veterinary care. 

Your four-legged friend and you will enjoy the season when you follow our tried-and-true pet summer heat safety recipe. If you have additional questions about your pet’s heat safety, or they experience a heat-related problem, contact our team at The Gentle Vet.