Summer pet safety tips are not to be taken lightly as a pet owner. Taking care of your pet chooses no season, and preparing your pets for every season can make life easier and more pleasant for all.
It may not be obvious, but people’s behaviour changes during spring and summer. These changes in both behaviour and routines can be stressful to pets, especially for dogs and cats who thrive on routine and a positive environment.
Tips for Summer Pet Safety
For proper summer pet care, well-known Australian pet behaviourist Laura Vissaritis shares a few tips that may take the pressure off when it comes to summer pet safety tips for your four-legged friends.
1. Have someone look after them
If you’re going away for a while, organise a pet sitter to care for your pets. Dogs and cats do not do well when left on their own, and it can be particularly dangerous if they are left for more than a few hours.
Similarly, this is also the best way to take care of them especially if you are raising a puppy or kitten while working full-time.
If you can’t find someone, there are many pet-friendly holiday options if you’re staying fairly local, so it’s also best to check if your feline or canine friend can join your getaway.
2. Avoid going out during hot weather
During spring and summer, consider the temperature outside. If it is over 25 degrees, it may be worth holding off that walk until the sun goes down.
Not only can footpaths burn precious paws, it can also be very tricky for dogs to cool down on warm days because they don’t sweat like humans do.
Certain breeds are dangerously susceptible to heat stroke and breathing difficulties, such as Frenchies, Staffies, Bulldogs, and other breeds with long coats.
It is always best to err on the side of caution, especially during spring and summer.
If your pet is prone to environmental allergies such as pollens and grasses, try to prevent the signs by avoiding certain places, wiping down your dog after walks, and even using antihistamines provided by your trusted vet.
There are also antiseptic and antifungal washes to prevent your dog’s skin from getting infected.
3. Celebrate Responsibly
Summer, Christmas, New Year’s, and others are all together lined up in the calendar. If your pets are staying with you, provide your pets with a safe space and have someone to keep an eye on them.
It’s also important to make your guests understand that they may have to refrain from approaching your pets to significantly reduce their stress levels.
We discuss on a separate blog how you can celebrate stress-free holidays with your pets.
During summer and spring celebrations, be mindful of possible pet gifts on the market. There are dangerous food and objects that pet owners should keep out of reach for pets.
Cheap toys with squeakers and stuffing are common culprits, but so are hide bones, and coloured treats. While all good things can be consumed in moderation, pets can be quite different for pets due to their sensitive health.
Pet Care for All Seasons
In all seasons, pets deserve the best care you can give. As everyone gears up with these summer pet safety tips, remember to still have someone to look after them during this busy season. All these little extra efforts will help them have a summer to remember.
Providing them with a trusted pet insurance plan has also been proven to be one of the best ways to take care of them, regardless of the season.
With Knose, pet care plans are customised for vets and pet owners, making pet care easy and hassle-free, for pets and owners alike.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Yvette Balita
Yvette Balita is a fur parent to Shinx, a 6-year old Jack Russel, along with multiple cats, and even chickens! Having many pets around her also give her a grounded perspective on the natural cycle of pet life and pets’ needs. Drawing from her personal journey and hands-on experience as a pet owner, Yvette contributes insights for pet owners seeking to care and protect their furry family members.
