Summer means more time outdoors, weekend braais and plenty of adventures with our furry friends. But while your pet might be enjoying the change in season, a few everyday habits could be putting their health at risk.
From forgetting tick and flea treatments to sharing the wrong foods, some common summer pet care mistakes can lead to unnecessary discomfort or even a trip to the vet.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.
Here are six things to keep in mind when looking after your pet this summer.
Common summer pet care mistakes
1. Skipping tick and flea protection
Just because you can’t see fleas or ticks doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Warmer weather can create favourable conditions for these unwanted visitors, especially when your pet spends more time outdoors.
Fleas can cause itching and skin irritation, while ticks can transmit diseases that may require veterinary treatment.
What to do instead: Keep up with a suitable tick and flea prevention routine throughout the year. Check your pet’s coat regularly, particularly after walks or time spent in grassy areas.
The Onepet Store offers a range of tick and flea products to help you stay on top of parasite prevention. Always choose a treatment suited to your pet’s species, age and weight, and follow veterinary advice.
2. Using the wrong grooming products
A quick bath after a muddy adventure might seem harmless, but not all shampoos are suitable for pets.
Human shampoos and certain harsh cleaning products can irritate your pet’s skin or strip away natural oils.
Bathing too frequently can also cause dryness, particularly in pets with sensitive skin.
What to do instead: Choose grooming products specifically formulated for your pet’s coat and skin type. Regular brushing can help remove loose fur, dirt and tangles between baths.
And remember, cats and dogs have different grooming needs, so always check that a product is suitable before using it.
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3. Sharing your braai leftovers
We all know that look. Your dog sitting next to the braai, patiently waiting for someone to drop a piece of meat.
But sharing leftovers isn’t always a good idea.
Cooked bones can splinter, fatty foods can upset your pet’s stomach and certain ingredients, such as onions and garlic, are toxic to dogs and cats.
Even a seemingly harmless mielie cob can cause a serious intestinal blockage if swallowed.
What to do instead: Keep braai leftovers out of reach and remind guests not to feed your pets from their plates.
If you want to include your pet in the festivities, offer a suitable pet treat instead.
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4. Forgetting about paw care
Paw care is an important part of summer pet care, especially when your furry friend spends more time outdoors.
Rough surfaces, dry ground and outdoor activities can leave paw pads cracked, irritated or injured.
And while it’s easy to notice when your pet is limping, smaller cuts or irritation might go unnoticed.
What to do instead: Check your pet’s paws after walks and outdoor playtime. Look for cuts, redness, cracks or anything stuck between their toes.
Keep walks to cooler times of the day to avoid hot pavements, and consider pet-safe paw care products when appropriate.
If your pet’s paws appear painful or damaged, speak to your vet.
5. Leaving garden products within reach
One summer pet care mistake that’s easy to overlook is leaving potentially harmful gardening products where curious pets can find them.
Summer often means more gardening, but some of the products we use to keep our lawns and plants looking good can be dangerous for pets.
Fertilisers, pesticides and certain garden chemicals can cause poisoning if swallowed or used incorrectly.
Curious pets might also investigate recently treated areas or chew on plants that aren’t safe for them.
What to do instead: Store gardening products securely, check that your plants are pet-friendly and follow all pet safety instructions when treating your garden.
Keep pets away from treated areas until it’s safe for them to return.
Making your garden a safer space is a simple but important part of summer pet care, particularly for pets that love exploring outdoors.
If you suspect your pet has swallowed something toxic, contact your vet immediately.
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6. Forgetting about mental stimulation
Summer isn’t only about physical exercise. Pets also need activities that keep their minds busy.
Without enough stimulation, some pets may become bored and start chewing furniture, digging up the garden or getting into things they shouldn’t.
And let’s be fair, a bored dog can get pretty creative when it comes to finding trouble.
What to do instead: Introduce enrichment activities such as puzzle feeders, interactive toys and treat-dispensing toys.
Rotating your pet’s toys can also help keep things interesting without constantly buying new ones.
For dogs that love sniffing, hiding a few suitable treats around the house or garden can turn an ordinary afternoon into a fun activity.
Make summer pet care part of your routine
Looking after your pet during summer doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few simple habits can make a difference:
- Keep up with tick and flea prevention.
- Use grooming products suited to your pet.
- Choose pet-safe treats instead of table scraps.
- Check paws after outdoor adventures.
- Store garden chemicals securely.
- Make time for enrichment and play.
It’s often the little things we do consistently that help keep our pets happy, healthy and out of trouble.
Stock up on summer essentials at the Onepet Store
Keeping your pet’s routine on track is easier when you have the right essentials on hand.
From tick and flea protection to grooming products, tasty treats and interactive toys, the Onepet Store has a range of products to help you look after your furry friend.
Whether you’re refreshing their grooming routine, stocking up on parasite prevention or finding something new to keep them entertained, you can shop for everyday pet essentials in one place.
And here’s an extra perk for Oneplan Pet Insurance clients.
Depending on your plan, you could enjoy up to 25% off when shopping at the Onepet Store.
Make summer pet care a little easier.
Shop your pet’s everyday essentials at the Onepet Store and get ready for the season ahead.
Your Petstore Family,