Summer sounds fun for us, but it can be tough on our pets. If you’re roasting in the heat, chances are your dog or cat isn’t loving it either. The key is making sure they’ve always got shade, fresh water and somewhere to chill (literally and figuratively). Avoid walking dogs in the middle of the day when the pavement’s scorching, and try to stick to early mornings or evenings. If you’re not sure when it’s safe, put your hand on the pavement. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
Cats usually find their own cool corners, but it’s still worth making sure there’s proper airflow wherever they like to nap. A fan or even a cold damp towel near their favorite spot can make a big difference.
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Make sure they’re getting the right kind of care
Summer can be a good time to reset your pet’s routine, especially if they’ve been a bit cooped up. Dogs, in particular, benefit from a mix of mental and physical activity. If yours is acting out or seems a bit on edge, it might be time to look into some training or behaviour support. All Dogs Unleashed is a great place to check out if you want help with training or just want your dog to have a bit more structure in their day. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, especially when they understand what’s expected of them and can enjoy more freedom safely.
Cats, on the other hand, just want their space. But they still need play and interaction. Try switching out their toys or giving them something new to bat around. Little changes go a long way.
Watch out for heat-related illnesses
This one’s serious. Dogs and cats can’t cool down the way we can, so heatstroke is a real risk. The signs can come on fast like heavy panting, drooling, wobbly legs, or just acting out of it. If you notice anything off, don’t wait. Move them to a cooler area, offer water, and ring your vet. Prevention is always best though, so try to avoid the kind of situations where they’d overheat in the first place.
Keep up with flea and tick treatments
Warmer weather means bugs are out in full force. Fleas, ticks and even worms love summer just as much as we do. Make sure you’re up to date on treatments, even if your pet mostly stays indoors. These things can come in on your shoes or other animals. No one wants a scratching, irritated pet or worse, a trip to the vet for something that could have been easily avoided.
Let them be part of the fun
Summer is when we’re out more, relaxing, socializing and making memories. Your pets can totally be part of that, as long as it’s safe. A trip to the beach, a dog-friendly café, or just hanging out in the garden can be just what they need. Just don’t forget the water, shade, and plenty of breaks.
Keeping pets happy and healthy in summer isn’t hard, but it does take a bit of thought. They’re part of the family, after all.
For more on this topic, check out the full Family Pet collection
