Warm Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Our pets look forward to warm weather just as much as we do.  Summer days mean fun in the sun, outdoor hikes and rising temperatures.  This time of year can also be dangerous for our four legged friends.  Dogs and cats can easily become overheated, dehydrated, sunburn and dehydration.  Not to mention the severe weather we can get during the months.  Here are a few tips for your four legged friends for the ‘dog days’ of summer.

Fleas and Ticks and Heartworms, oh my!

Preventative care is the best protection for your pets.  Consult your vet in the sprung before the summer bugs arrive and implement an effective flea and tick control program.  An early heartworm detection test and preventative medication will help you avoid ‘heartache’ down the road.

Summer Storms

Dog houses are a great place for your pup to find shade during those hot, sunny days.  They are not safe shelters during lightning storms and high winds.  During storms it is a good idea to bring all outdoor pets inside.  With storms comes thunder, and many indoor and outdoor pets are afraid of thunder.  Pheromones, calming music, turning the volume up on the TV or ‘thunder shirts’ may help to alleviate or reduce anxieties during storms.

Vacations

Vacationing with your pet can be fun and a great way to bond with your pet.  Always plan your route ahead of time and make sure to look into pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds or rentals.  Always make sure to allow plenty of time to travel, your pet will need potty breaks and time to stretch their legs.  Double check all collars and leashes to make sure they are fitted properly and are in good working order.  I know I have said it before, but make sure your pets ID tags and microchip are up to date with your contact information.

Water, Water Everywhere

Always make sure your pets have clean, cool water during warm weather months, even if they are inside in the air conditioning.  My dog, Sassy loves ice cubes, and my cats, Regina and Phoebe, love to play with them.  Adding ice to your pets water dish can be a fun treat for them.  If you are traveling with your pet, always make sure you have a water bottle filled with cold water for your pet.

Auto Cautions

I cannot stress this enough, but NEVER leave your pet or any other animal for that matter in a car!  Even with the windows open, the temperature in a parked vehicle can reach more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.  Be on the lookout for coolant/antifreeze leaks as these are sweet tasting to animals, but can be fatal. 

Summer Exercise

Just like your mom told you to not go swimming right after eating, you should always wait 30 to 60 minutes after feeding your pet before exercising.  This can help prevent your pup from stomach pain and bloat.  Be aware of hot pavement and asphalt, walk your pup in grass or keep pavement walks brief.  Booties and shoes work just as well in hot weather as they do in snow and ice.  Bringing your pup to the beach with you sounds like so much fun, but your pet really prefers shade to direct sunshine, especially for long periods of time.  Always watch for signs of heatstroke that include: excessive panting, reddened gums, dehydration, confusion or lack of coordination.  If your pet is showing those signs, get them in the shade, cool with a wet towel and consult your veterinarian.

Why not leave your dog at home with a professional pet sitter while you enjoy the hot summer sun at the beach? We can help! Whether you are away for the day or on a long vacation, The Pet Lady would love to meet your pet! CLICK HERE to get started.

Traveling With Your Pet

When you plan your vacations, do you plan them around your pet? Well, most people do.  Whether you hire a professional pet sitter to care for your pet while you are away or plan to bring your pet with you; you spend a lot of time thinking about your pets needs.  With the pandemic this past year, if you’re like me, you may have had a change in travel plans.  Instead of leaving Illinois and seeing the states, we planned small, short getaways in an Airbnb - but only if they allowed pets! There is a lot to think about while traveling with your pets and as a pet sitter and dog owner, I know! I have compiled some tips to help you and your pet while traveling.

Make sure your pets ID tags and microchip are up to date.  I know I say this a lot and if you follow me on social media, you know I am passionate about this.  If you are traveling and Fido slips his leash, an up to date ID tag and microchip could be the key to reuniting you and your four legged friends. 

Secure your pet in a carrier or pet seat belt.  Did you pause and say ‘What? A seat belt?’ Well, yes, a seat belt.  Now I am guilty of not always securing my pup in her seatbelt, when we have a short trip, but when we travel you better believe it! If there is a reason you need to slam on your brakes, your pup can become a flying object and can not only injure themselves, but you as well.  Pet  seat belts connect to your pets harness, it gives them enough room to sit, lay and even stand, but will keep them from flying forward in the event of an accident.

Give your pet plenty of rest stops.  This should be a no brainer, pets need stops to stretch and relieve themselves just as much as we do.  Some pets get anxiety while being in the car and making stops so they are able to get out and sniff to help let off some of the anxiety.  I also just want to note, stay safe and keep your pets' heads in the car.  I know they love it and it is cute when their lips and ears flap in the wind, but it can be dangerous.

If you are flying, book a direct flight.  Flying on an airplane can be scary, I know I am not the best flyer out there.  But it can especially be scary for pets, they do not understand what is going on and they CANNOT have gum to help pop their ears.  Booking a direct flight can limit the amount of time your pet is on a plane or even in an airport.

Bring your pets favorite toy or blanket. My dog, Sassy, has her Yoshi toy that she loves to cuddle and play with, it is her safety net. Whenever we travel, Yoshi comes along. Bringing a toy or blanket can help ease anxiety. Being in a new environment can be stressful for pets and anything that can remind your pets of home.

We know traveling with your pet can be both fun and stressful! If you are unable to travel with your pet CLICK HERE to get started with The Pet Lady. We would love to meet your pet!