For most families, preparing for summer means finding childcare, getting the pool ready to use, scheduling summer barbecues, and planning vacations. As you make your plans, don’t forget to include your pets! Here are five tips to get your pets ready for summer.
Stay on Top of Grooming
Some pets get very uncomfortable in the summer heat and need to have their undercoats or topcoats groomed more regularly. Talk to your veterinarian and your groomer about what kind of summer grooming your pet needs to stay comfortable and cool.
Keep Your Pet Inside
If your pet is used to going in and out through the pet door as he pleases, that may need to change for the summer. Keep your pet inside in a temperature-controlled environment as much as possible, and don’t let him outside unsupervised. When the temperature outside is 80 degrees or above, pets can overheat in a matter of one hour and become ill or even die.
Maintain Hydration
Make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water. Change the water in his bowl every day, and don’t ever leave your pet outside without water. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration: excessive thirst and drooling, panting, confusion, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, pale gums, trouble breathing, weakness, and rapid pulse.
Get Vaccinations & Flea and Tick Prevention
Whether your pet is staying home with you all summer, going with you on vacation, or being boarded at a kennel, you need to visit your veterinarian. Make sure your pet is up to date on all his vaccinations. Check-in on the status of his flea and tick prevention and heartworm medication. Before boarding your pet or leaving him with a pet sitter while you’re out of town, have the veterinarian do a full physical examination.
If your pet is ready for vaccinations or you need a recommendation for a reputable kennel or dog boarding facility, make an appointment with your veterinarian.