Hobby Ideas > Dog Lovers

Hot Weather Animal Care

Don’t forget "Man’s Best Friend" during the hot, humid summer days. A few common sense precautions can mean the difference between life or death for your beloved pet.

  • Animals, like humans, need to be protected from sunburn. Shaved, sensitive areas should be protected by either a specially prepared animal sunscreen or by using a baby sunscreen. Be sure to protect the tips of the ears, top of the nose, and anywhere the fur is thin. Check the ingredients in any sunscreen you use on your pet as certain ingredients can be toxic if ingested. If in doubt about any ingredient, check with your veterinarian.

  • The sun is at its hottest between noon and 4 pm and people are advised to be extra careful during these hours. The same holds true for animals. Walk your dog in the early morning or early evening hours. Cooler temperatures during these hours will provide cooler pavements and help prevent footpads from blistering from the hot pavement. Also, it’s a good idea to slow your pace in extreme heat so your animal doesn’t overheat.

  • Always have fresh water available for your pet. Do not let them drink ice water as it can shock their system. Water should be cool and clean. Never let them drink from puddles.

  • Never leave pets in parked cars. Temperatures can rise to 120 degrees within minutes, even in the shade, and heat stroke may occur.

  • Fertilizers and insecticides can be fatal to an animal if ingested. Be extra cautious with your pet during lawn care seasons.

  • Be sensitive to your dog’s reaction in the summer to heat, large crowds, and noises (fireworks etc.). If the animal seems stressed out at a summer concert or fair, it’s better to leave the pet home in a familiar environment.

  • Always be sure to have a collar and identification tags on your pet.