Summer officially arrives on Friday, y’all!!
That magical season when the sun is shining, the grill is sizzling, and every dog in the neighborhood suddenly believes they’re a lizard who must lie belly-up on the pavement to absorb maximum rays. While we all love the warm weather, summer can be downright dangerous for our furry friends if we’re not careful. So, grab a glass of lemonade (and maybe a bowl of water for your dog), and let’s talk summer pet safety.
1. The Sidewalk Is Lava
You know that childhood game where the floor is lava? Turns out, in summer, the sidewalk actually is. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. A good rule of thumb (or toe bean): if you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds, walk them in the grass or wait until the sun chills out.
Pro Tip: Early morning or late evening walks are best. Your dog won’t turn into a fried potato, and you might even enjoy a peaceful stroll and avoid that upper lip sweat Andrea McElroy is always talking about!
2. Shave and a Haircut? Maybe Not.
It seems logical — it’s hot, so take off all the fur, right? Wrong. Many pets’ coats are actually designed to regulate temperature, and shaving them can do more harm than good (plus, no one wants sunburn on their bald dog). Talk to your groomer before giving Fluffy a summer buzzcut. But speaking of sunburn, dogs with thin or light-colored coats (looking at you pittie moms), white fur and pink skin, hairless breeds, or those with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are more prone to sunburn. So, get you some doggy sunscreen! And yes, you do need dog-specific sunscreen; we all know the things dogs are willing to lick.
3. Hot Cars Are a No-Go
This should go without saying, and yet here we are, saying it again: Do. Not. Leave. Your. Pet. In. The. Car. Not for five minutes. Not with the windows cracked. Not even if you “just ran in for a second.” Cars heat up fast, and it’s not worth the risk.
If your pet can’t go in with you, they shouldn’t go with you at all. They’ll forgive you. Probably.
4. Hydration: Does Stanley Make Dog Dishes?
Your pet needs constant access to clean, cool water — especially in the heat. Bring a collapsible bowl or pet water bottle if you’re out and about. And no, melted ice cream from the bottom of your cone doesn’t count. (Nice try.)
Cats, being the dramatic desert royalty they are, may pretend they don’t need water. Keep multiple water dishes in shady areas, or try a pet fountain to pique their interest. If you need pet fountain suggestions, drop me an email, and I’ll send you a couple of links. I have two different ones that my dog and cats absolutely love.
5. Beat the Bugs
Summer is prime time for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes — also known as the Unholy Trinity of Pet Annoyance. Talk to your vet about proper preventatives because no one wants to spend their summer scratching, itching, or contracting heartworm.
Also, PSA: citronella candles are not dog-friendly snacks, no matter how enticing they smell.
6. Pool Paw-ty Rules
Some dogs are natural swimmers. Others sink like overstuffed ravioli. Never assume your pet can swim — always supervise them around pools, lakes, and the kiddie splash pad you definitely bought “for the kids.” Life jackets for dogs exist; yes, they’re as adorable and practical as they sound.
And if your cat is anywhere near water, good luck and Godspeed.
Summer is a blast — popsicles, BBQs, sprinklers, and all — but your pets depend on you to keep them safe. A little extra care goes a long way, and in return, you’ll have a happy, healthy companion to share those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
Now go toss a pup-sicle to your pooch, give your cat a shady window ledge, and enjoy the sunshine — responsibly.
