With summer upon us it is important to know some safety tips for pet care.
The number one thing is never ever leave your pet in a hot car. It gets very hot in cars and can cause your pet to have heat stroke within minutes. So if you can’t leave them at home be sure to take them with you when you leave the car.
Also keep in mind about their paws. If the ground is too hot for you to walk on barefoot then it is too hot for your pet’s paws. Not only can their paws get burned, but it will increase their body temperature. Keep your pet off of hot metal and asphalt, and if you can’t then you can usually find some booties/shoes at the pet store.
Water and shade are important for you to keep in mind not just for yourself but also for your pet. If your pet is going to spend a lot of time outside make sure they have plenty of both available to them. If your dog has long hair you should probably get them a haircut that will help keep them cool during the summer.
One thing I do is I make pet popsicles for my furbabies to enjoy during the summer. I make enough that I share them with friends who also have pets, and all the furbles love them. It varies on what I put in them but my basic recipe is:
- Canned pumpkin
- Baby food that is pet safe (be sure to read the ingredients if you don’t make your own)
- A little water or homemade broth(this way I know there isn’t anything in it that can hurt the pets)
- Small dog biscuits or treat sticks
I blend all this together in my blender and pour into a popsicle mold. Instead of the plastic sticks that come with the molds I place in small dog biscuits or treat sticks inside this way everything about the popsicle is safe for the pet to eat. Freeze overnight and then pop out and let your babies enjoy.
For more information on pet summer safety and other tips please visit these sites:
ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
Petfinder: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/hot-weather-tips/
Pethealth network: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/seven-summer-cat-and-dog-safety-tips
Thank you for the reminders, especially with hot summer months upon us. My cat Pierre enjoys the air conditioner as I don’t turn it off if I’m away from home. He is definitely the King of his domain.
Thank you so much for both the tips and the recipe. I should know all this, but it’s wonderful to be reminded.
Happy, safe summer to all!!
I’m glad to help with the reminders, and if you try the recipe I hope your furbles enjoy. 😀
I love the popsicle recipe!
Quick note on doggie haircuts – if you have a dog like a Husky, do not shave them for the summer. They need both the undercoat and the guard hairs to regulate their body temperature, even in hot weather. They prefer air conditioning and wading pools. 🙂
It really is a big hit in my house. Also you are right and I didn’t think about adding that into the post. I’ll make a note for the next time I write one of these. 🙂