Summer is almost here! As the temperature rises across the country, the risk of summer dangers also rises, especially for your pets.

Follow these simple tips in order to keep your pets safe and cool this summer:

1. Whenever possible keep your pets inside where it’s nice and cool. If they have to be outside, be sure they always have access to shade and water. Cooling products can also help keep your pets cool and comfortable this summer. K&H makes a number of cool (no pun intended) products that can help your pets beat the heat this summer. Their Coolin’ Bed is designed to wick heat away from your pet. The K&H Pet Cot is elevated so it allows your pooch to rest comfortably off the hot ground and the center of the cot is made of mesh to allow extra air flow to help keep your pet cool. (Click here for 20% off K&H Cooling Products)

2. Be sure your pets have plenty of water at all times. When it’s hot, water evaporates faster and pets drink more than usual. Make sure you provide extra bowls of water. Consider using a cooling bowl to keep your pet’s water from getting hot on a warm day. The K&H Coolin’ Bowl  has cooling crystals inside the bowl that, after freezing overnight, will keep your dog’s water cool for hours. And don’t forget to bring water and portable dog bowls with you during long walks or outings.

3. Avoid excessive exercise when it’s hot. Keep your walks short to avoid over heating. Walk your dog in the early morning or evening when it is cooler.

4. Before going on a walk, check the ground to be sure it is not too hot for your pets’ feet. Asphalt, concrete, and sand can get very hot. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your pets! If you have to take your pet outside when the ground is hot, make sure to put booties on them to protect their pads from getting burned.

5. Never leave your pet unattended in a car when it’s hot outside. Even with the windows rolled down, your car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes.

6. Keep pets away from hot barbeque grills and be aware of BBQ and picnic foods that can be dangerous your pet. Such as: alcohol, chocolate, grapes, onions, corn cobs, and chicken bones. Toothpicks and skewers can also be dangerous. Never leave pets unsupervised around food. Have pet friendly treats available to avoid temptation and reward your pets for good behavior.

7. Lastly be sure you are familiar and on the look out for the common signs of heat exhaustion (also known as heat stroke) in dogs:
Excessive panting
Drooling
Bright red tongue and gums
Vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
Unsteadiness
Collapse
Seizures

Heatstroke can quickly damage vital internal organs. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, try to cool them down by wetting them with cool water and immediately take them to your veterinarian or closest veterinary emergency clinic for treatment. Without prompt treatment, heatstroke can be fatal.

Remember, pets are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion than us. Hopefully these safety tips will help keep your pets safe and cool.

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