On days when the burning sun reigns high in the sky, we human beings can well feel the nutritive tenderness emanated by the sun; we then stop and ponder about how our furry companions feel about this exhaustion. Pets usually suppress sultry weather because of their basically thick fur coats, sweaty but happy in the yard or on the patio: well, those are symptoms of overstaying in a hot place. With this we feel, but our dogs and cats can’t always escape heat the way we humans can. Luckily, keeping them cool, happy, and safe during the warm summer months can be accomplished easily and effectively.
Because the four-legged creatures do not need heat stress, dehydration, and general discomfort, here are five simple summer tips that can usually go a long way to making life more comfortable for your pet:
- Keep the Water Cool and Fresh
Hot-weather calls for chilled refreshments-hotter times leaving scant scroll for doubt-in fact-his is exactly the need of the hour for your pet too! It’s an important thing to keep the cat or dog hydrated when it starts heating up but equally important to keep that water cool and welcoming for your dear furry friend. The more obviously chilled that water is, the greater the chance that the pet is going to be thirsty, thereby helping to control body temperature while also keeping hydrated.
Typical bowls of water just seem to warm up fairly quickly. Consider buying a bowl that will keep water cool longer-there are even some on the market designed to stay chilled like an icepack. Another quick fix would be to add a couple of ice cubes to Fido’s water. The refreshing coolness will encourage plenty of sipping. - Serve Ice Cream Shakes for Extra Refreshment
Nothing better than a frozen treat on a hot day, and your pets can enjoy one too! These frozen treats do double duty-Hydrating your doggie and kitty and giving them a fun time. You could either make a popsicle with pet-friendly ingredients or just freeze their favorite wet food in a toy, like a Kong; it’s all about cooling relief and enrichment. These treats are great for engaging fast eaters so they can slow down and enjoy each frozen bite.
A DIY angle is easy and fun, with an array of recipes to choose from. Mix and match and freeze ice cubes or any other molds to reward pooches with refreshing and tantalizing treats. Just remember, these special treats should contain ingredients safe for dogs: plain peanut butter, pumpkin purée, or fruits like blueberries and watermelon are all excellent candidates. - Provide a Gentle Mist or Splash
Water is one of your pet’s best allies in the fight against heat, and they will love every opportunity to splash about, putting some of that heat behind them! If your pet is not averse to getting wet, a soft misting from a spray bottle will do nicely, or take a damp towel and gently wipe down their coat. If you have a water-loving dog or cat, a kiddy pool might be perfect for them to splash in! Full-size pools can also be fun if your dog enjoys swimming!
But if your friend has a long thick coat, then don’t go overboard with water. A mere sting of water on the top layer of fur would insulate the animal from cooling, actually making your pet feel hotter, while concentrated areas such as paws, belly, or chest should be wet because of their thinner hair allowing for proper evaporation and cooling down. - Bring on the Cool Comfort: Cooling Mats, Vests, and Ice Packs
When the weather gets hot for your pet, there are specially made products to keep them comfortable. Cooling mats and vests are great for keeping your pet cool while resting or moving around. These products usually go into the regular fridge or freezer for a few minutes before being applied, be it a mat for your dog to lounge around on or a vest that cools him off while you’re out and about.
On a budget, you could always make your own DIY cooling pad: Freeze an old towel or ice pack ( wrapped in a towel) and position it in their bed or a soft area where they love napping! Super great, huh? You can carry it in their favorite blanket for extra comfort. - Create an Indoor Hideaway for Maximum Comfort
Sometimes, despite all you could do, the outdoors would just prove too hot to handle for your furry buddy! Therefore, the cool indoor hideaway should be provided for them. Whether your pet’s been outside for a while and needs relief, or it’s just too hot outside for anything enjoyable for them, having a comfy air-conditioned or shaded indoor spot is paramount.
Make sure to keep the house as a cool haven for them on those hot days with closed blinds to keep the sun out and turned-on fans/A.C. for cooling off the place. If you find it difficult to maintain the coolness of your house, you may wish to call up local pet care facilities for doggie daycare. Many of these offer air-conditioned play areas for your dog to escape the heat and have a blast while it is.
Bonus tip: Grooming Helps Themselves! —Regulating coolness means regular grooming in summer. Grooming in hot summer helps your pets to avoid overheating. Give the highly insulated animals some cutting and grooming; comfort will set in. Long-haired cats and dogs will appreciate it much if they get some trimming and grooming. Just don’t go overboard: a very short haircut is not what these pets need. They do need that coat to protect them from sunburn and heatstrokes.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Pet Cool Comes First
Summer often spells fun with outdoor play for many pet lovers, but protecting their safety and coolness becomes therefore a necessity. Through chilled water, frozen delectables, and sheer thoughtfulness in products meant for their cooling, you are maximizing their comfort, come hell or high water! Also, mind their grooming, and think of keeping a sort of indoor retreat cool whenever heat strikes from the outside.
With these enabling recommendations keeping your pets cozy and safe this summer-whether they are lounging on cool mats, splashing around in a kiddie pool, or nibbling on frozen treats-will have your pets thank you for making their summer enjoyable and relaxing!
