Who else is getting excited for the dog days of summer ahead? We can hardly wait to take long walks with our furry pets in the sunshine. When temperatures rise, there are a few important things to keep in mind since our animals react differently to heat than we do. Here are three key tips to check for during hot weather: 

Pre-heat Grooming 

Before the hot seasonal days arrive, consider grooming your pet. Though our pets have the natural defense of shedding as the heat approaches, it never hurts to help things along by giving a quick brushing to get out all the loose hair. Another tip, if your dog has long hair, you may want to cut it down to an inch or so to help them shed more quickly. (Be sure that you never cut down to your dog’s skin.)

Shade and Water 

Naturally, our pets are outside more in the spring and summer months. To ensure they don’t suffer from dehydration or the heat, make sure there is a shady place to rest with a fresh supply of clean water. On the hottest days, putting a few ice cubes in the dish can be helpful. Running errands around town with your pup? Make sure to park in a shady spot and crack open the windows to allow airflow. It's generally only safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, and if it’s under 70 degrees.

Take it Easy 

When the heat is up, it’s best to keep exercise limited. If possible, try to keep it to early morning and evening hours on the hottest days. Also, keep in mind that asphalt can be very hot on your pet’s paws, so keep to the grass when the sun is bearing down. If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a shady area or indoors, preferably with air conditioning. Next, apply cold packs to his/her head, neck and chest. An alternative would be to run room temperature (not cold) water over your pet. Allow your pet to drink water in small amounts or chew ice cubes if possible. Follow with a call to the veterinarian as soon as possible. 

We hope you and your fur family are able to look forward to the warmer weather ahead of us while staying safe. Let us know what you think about these tips in the comments below!