Summer means longer days, more time outside and plenty of opportunities for adventures with your pet. But when temperatures start climbing, summer pet safety becomes even more important.
Dogs and cats can’t tell us when they’re getting too hot, so it’s up to us as pet parents to make sure they have what they need to stay cool and comfortable.
From keeping water bowls topped up to knowing the signs of heatstroke, these summer pet safety tips can help you look after your furry family members when the temperature rises.
1. Keep fresh water available
Fresh water is one of the simplest but most important parts of summer pet safety.
Make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh and cool water. Check their water bowls regularly throughout the day and refill them when necessary, particularly if your pet spends time outside.
You can also add a few ice cubes to their water to help keep it cooler for longer.
If you’re heading out with your dog, remember to take water for them too. Staying hydrated is an important part of summer pet safety, especially when you’re spending time outdoors together.
2. Keep those paws off hot pavement
That afternoon walk might sound like a great idea until you remember just how hot South African pavements can get.
Hot surfaces can be uncomfortable and may burn your dog’s paw pads. During warmer weather, rather schedule walks for the early morning or late evening, when temperatures and walking surfaces are generally cooler.
Before heading out, check the surface with your hand. If the pavement feels too hot for you to comfortably keep your hand on it, it may be too hot for your pet’s paws too.
Changing your walking routine is a small summer pet safety habit that can make a big difference during particularly hot days.
3. Never leave your pet in a parked car
Not for five minutes. Not with the windows cracked. Not because you’re “just quickly running inside”.
Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly and put pets at risk of heatstroke.
If you’re going somewhere your pet can’t safely come with you, leaving them somewhere cool and comfortable at home is the safer option.
No quick errand is worth putting your pet at risk.
4. Give them somewhere cool and shady
If your pet spends time outside, make sure they have somewhere to escape the direct sunlight.
A proper shaded area or shelter gives them somewhere cooler to rest when they’ve had enough of the sunshine.
Remember that shade can move throughout the day as the sun changes position. A spot that was perfectly shady in the morning could be in full sun a few hours later.
During particularly hot weather, bringing your pet indoors to a cooler space may also help them escape the heat.
And yes, your cat will probably still choose the most inconvenient spot in the house. That part is out of your control.
Discover ways to exercise with your dog.
5. Know the signs of heatstroke in pets
Knowing how to keep pets cool in summer is important, but pet parents should also know when their pet may be getting dangerously hot.
Signs of heatstroke can include:
- Excessive panting
- Heavy drooling
- Lethargy or unusual weakness
- Vomiting
Heatstroke can be a medical emergency.
If you notice signs that your pet may be experiencing heatstroke or they seem seriously unwell after being exposed to high temperatures, contact a vet immediately for professional advice.
Don’t wait to see whether they simply “cool down” on their own.
Discover how to spot and care for heat exhaustion.
6. Adjust your pet’s routine on hot days
Sometimes the best way to keep your pet safe in summer is simply to change the plan.
If it’s extremely hot outside, that long afternoon walk can wait. Move exercise and playtime to cooler parts of the day and give your pet plenty of opportunities to rest.
Keep an eye on how they’re behaving too. If your dog normally races towards the lead but suddenly seems tired or reluctant to exercise on a hot day, don’t force them to keep going.
Summer fun doesn’t have to stop. You just need to work around the weather.
Make summer safer for your best friend
Pets rely on us for a lot. Food. Water. Walks. Belly scratches. And, apparently, opening a door five seconds after they asked us to close it.
They also rely on us to recognise when something could put their health at risk.
Following a few simple summer pet safety tips, including providing plenty of fresh water, avoiding hot pavements, creating cool spaces and watching for signs of heatstroke, can help make warmer days safer and more comfortable for your pet.
And if the unexpected does happen, having Oneplan Pet Insurance can help you prepare for qualifying vet expenses.*
With cover options for accidents, illness and more depending on your chosen plan, you can choose Pet Insurance that suits your pet and your budget.*
Because you can do your best to keep them out of trouble, but pets have a funny way of finding it anyway.
Explore Oneplan Pet Insurance and find cover for your best friend.
Your Pet Insurance Family,
