Is it just me? or is it EXTRA hot this summer…. and it’s not just us… When the temperatures rise, your pets feel it too! But, unlike us humans, dogs and cats don’t sweat it out they pant, overheat quickly, and depend on us to help them stay safe and cool. Summer pet care goes way beyond keeping the water bowl full. This season, let’s dive into some unexpected, veterinarian-backed wellness tips to keep your furry friends healthy, hydrated, and happy.
☀️ Why Summer is Harder on Pets Than You Think
While most people associate hot weather with beach days and BBQs, pets experience summer stress differently:
- Panting = cooling (but it’s not always effective)
- Paw pads burn on hot pavement in under 60 seconds!
- Short-snouted breeds (like Pugs or Frenchies) are especially prone to heatstroke
- Senior pets and those with heart conditions are at higher risk for dehydration and overheating
Knowing this, proactive summer care isn’t a luxury, it’s a wellness essential.
1. Upgrade Their Water Game
💧You’re already refilling the water bowl but is it doing enough?
Unique Wellness Tip: Add a dog-safe electrolyte mix (like coconut water ice cubes or vet-approved hydration powder) to their bowl or use a pet water fountain to encourage more drinking.
📌 Pro Tip: For cats, broth ice cubes made from unsalted chicken or bone broth can increase hydration through play and licking.
2. Chill From the Inside Out
Instead of relying only on fans or shade:
Try pet-safe frozen yogurt (plain Greek yogurt + a touch of pumpkin or blueberries)
Freeze toys (rubber Kongs filled with peanut butter + banana mash)
Offer “cooling snacks” like frozen watermelon (no seeds!) or cucumber slices
Bonus: These snacks support gut health and reduce inflammation.
3. Skip the Shave, Get a Summer Trim Instead
Many pet parents believe shaving their dogs in the summer helps them stay cool. The truth? It can backfire.
🐶 Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Labs, Goldens) actually rely on their coats to regulate temperature and protect against UV rays. Instead of shaving:
- Ask your groomer for a “cool trim” to remove excess bulk
- Brush daily to get rid of dead undercoat and allow better airflow
- Apply dog-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas (nose, belly, ears)
🚫 4. Rethink Your Walk Times
Best hours for exercise: Before 9 AM and after 7 PM.
But also consider this:
- Stick to grassy or shaded areas to avoid paw burns
- Booties can protect paws, but only if your pet tolerates them
- Keep walks short and sniff-heavy mental stimulation is just as enriching as physical
5. Cool Down Their Sleeping Spot
Don’t just think about their food or walks your pet’s rest area matters too.
- Switch to cooling gel beds or elevated mesh cots
- Place beds near ventilation sources (but not in direct AC blasts)
- Use cooling wraps or breathable cotton bandanas soaked in water
Final Thought: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Heatstroke can set in within minutes. But by taking intentional steps: hydrating smart, timing exercise, and supporting recovery, you’re not just a pet parent, you’re a wellness advocate for your furry friend.
Let’s make this summer safe, cool, and joy-filled for every wag and whisker.
Pawsitive Landing Project 