As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, more people are spending time outdoors with their pets. From walks and road trips to pool days and backyard gatherings, warm weather can create hidden dangers for dogs and cats without the right precautions.
Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit whose goal is to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill*, is sharing tips to help keep pets stay safe, cool, and comfortable all summer long.
- Beware of Hot Pavement: Sidewalks and asphalt heat up quickly in the sun and cat burn pets’ paws. A simple rule: if people can’t hold their hand on the pavement for more than seven seconds, it’s too hot for pets’ paws. Walking during cooler parts of the day, sticking to shaded or grassy areas, and using protective booties can help keep dogs and cats safe.
- Keep Pool Time Safe: Not every dog is a natural swimmer. Pets new to the water should wear a pet life vest, and people should prevent dogs from drinking pool water, since chlorine can cause irritation or vomiting. It’s also a good idea to keep pools gated when not supervised.
- Prioritize Hydration and Shade: Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather, especially during outdoor activities. Bringing fresh water and a collapsible bowl can help keep pets hydrated on the go. Whenever possible, pets should stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and always have access to shade when outside.
- Protect Pets from the Sun: Pets can get sunburned too, especially those with light-colored fur or exposed skin. Pet-safe sunscreen and lightweight UV protective clothing can help provide added protection during sunny days outdoors.
- Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars: Even on a 70-degree day, the temperatures inside of a parked car can rise to 89 degrees in just 10 minutes and reach 104 degrees within 30 minutes. Dogs and cats should never be left unattended in cars, even briefly.
Make this summer a little cooler by adopting a pet in need. According to Best Friends’ data, if just 6% more people adding a pet to their home chose to adopt instead of purchase a pet from a pet store or breeder, the country could become no-kill. Now that’s a summer win worth soaking up.
To learn more, visit bestfriends.org.