Summertime is synonymous with warm weather and refreshing drinks and treats. For most, summer provides a fun and relaxing escape from the cold, dreary winter months. And while beautiful, crystal clear skies paint the perfect backdrop to our summer days, we can’t forget about summer’s hallmark – the heat – and what that means for our beloved pets!

As temperatures rise, the heat can cause some serious concerns for our pets. Don’t let the heat scorch the fun out of your pet’s summer days. Follow these summer safety tips to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable during the summer months!

Serve Your Pet’s Favorite Cocktail – H20

• Keeping your dog hydrated is essential for his health and overall well-being, especially during the summer. Always make sure to have cool, fresh water for your pet when he’s outside, especially if he’s actively running, walking, or playing as he can become overheated within minutes. Just fill up your pet’s JW Skid Stop Bowl or Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer with cool water. You can also include ice cubes in your pet’s water bowl as a treat. As the ice cubes melt during the day, your dog will have cool water to drink.1 This will ensure that your fur baby stays refreshed all day long.

Cool off with the Perfect Treat

• Another way to help cool down your furry friend is to provide him with a special summertime treat. Just freeze a JW Puddlestone Dog Toy to show your pet some tender loving care. These bones can be filled with water, broth, wet food, or peanut butter and then frozen for a refreshing snack. Your pet is sure to stay cool and love the toy/treat combo! Remember, all of our Chuckit! Amphibious Fetch Toys float, too, so they’re ideal for playing water games with your four-legged friend.

Stay Cool in the Shade

• Shade is also key during the hot summer months. When you bring your dog outside, make sure he has an area of shade where he can sit or lie down if he’s feeling too hot. Also, shade provides the perfect temperature for your dog’s drinking water. Keep your dog’s water bowl in a shaded spot so that it doesn’t heat up or evaporate too quickly.¹

Watch & Play

• Work hard, play harder? Be careful not to let your dog overexert himself. Playtime should be limited to short periods on hot days, with frequent water breaks. Pet parents should watch for signs of overheating, which can include excessive panting and difficulty breathing.²

Remember that sun and heat aren’t the only summer dangers for pets. While a local swimming hole can be a great oasis for both you and your pet, staying safe is just as important around pools, lakes, and the ocean. Although these bodies of water provide much-needed relief for dogs seeking refuge from the blistering temperatures, as pet parents we must take heed to ensure that our furry friends are safe around water, too.

Just Say ‘No’ to Chlorine

• Pools contain chemicals like chlorine which can be harmful to your dog if ingested in large quantities.² Remember to watch your dog when he’s swimming in the pool and don’t let him use the pool as a water bowl. Always provide a fresh, clean water bowl while at the pool.

Novice Dog Paddler vs. Champion Swimmer

• Again, pet parents watch your dog carefully when he’s swimming. Despite the assumption, not every dog is a champion swimmer. If your dog has difficulty doing the doggie paddle, consider a flotation device. There are many types of floatation devices now available for dogs.²

Rinse & Repeat

• Rinse. Rinse. Rinse. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly after a swim in the pool with clean, fresh water.² Chlorine can cause itching and dryness and even dogs without sensitive skin will appreciate the rinse!

Bonus Tip – New ‘Do for Your Pooch

• Keeping your dog comfortable and safe during the long “dog days of summer” can also be achieved with a new haircut! Bringing your furry friend to the groomer for a shorter, shaved haircut is a great way to relieve your pooch of his warm, bulky winter coat. Just beware that if your dog’s hair is too short, he might require sunscreen while outside! You can maintain your dog’s short, new ‘do with our wide array of JW GripSoft and Aspen Pet FurBuster grooming tools.

So, there you have it – summer safety tips to keep your furry friend happy, comfortable and cool. Your pet is sure to thank you with wet, sloppy kisses and a wagging tail all summer long!

1. ¹ “No Hot Dogs this Summer!”
2. ² “Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet”