We are in the middle of another scorching Arizona summer, so taking extra care of our furry friends is essential. The intense heat can be challenging for pets, but we can ensure they stay cool, comfortable, and healthy with the right precautions. In this blog, we’ll explore five practical and effective ways to keep your pets cool during the sweltering summer months. It’s National Pet Wellness Month, and in our sizzling Arizona heat, that means we’ve got to get creative!
From providing plenty of water to creating shaded areas, these tips will help you and your pets enjoy the summer safely. Let’s dive in and make this a cool and happy season for our beloved companions!
1. Keep Your Pets Hydrated
Keeping your pets hydrated during the summer in Arizona is crucial due to the extreme heat that can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Pets, like humans, rely on water to regulate their body temperature and maintain essential bodily functions. In the scorching Arizona summer, the risk of dehydration increases significantly, especially for active or outdoor pets. Ensure your pets always have access to fresh, clean water. At Pawfect Pet Sitter, we’re all about making hydration fun. For a puppy popsicle party, try freezing some low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays!
Monitoring their water intake and recognizing signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry gums, and excessive panting, can help keep your furry friends healthy and safe during the hot months.
2. Create Cooling Spaces in Your Home
Transform your home into the coolest hangout in town! Set up some shady spots with cooling mats, or try a cooling harness. In addition, your dog can enjoy a doggy splash pool in your backyard on those super hot days! Speaking of pools, did you know our Pawfect team can turn your backyard into a puppy paradise? That’s right! During our visits, we can take your furry friend for a quick potty break and then splash it up with a game of poolside fetch. It’s the perfect way to get some exercise without overheating.
No pool? No problem! We’re pros at finding fun ways to play indoors. We’ll keep your pet active and entertained with a gentle game of tug-o-war or short-distance games of fetch, all while staying as cool as a cucumber. At Pawfect Pet Sitter, we’re all about making sure your fur babies have a blast, even when the temperature’s rising outside! Click here to create your account and book your visits today!
3. Take Walks Early or Late in The Day
Timing your walks properly can help keep your pets cool in the Arizona heat. At Pawfect Pet Sitter, we encourage early morning walks or late evening strolls. Think cool mornings or breezy evenings – that’s when your pup can truly strut their stuff!
In addition, we always scout out the shadiest routes for our furry clients. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, we’re after those precious patches of shade! Keeping your pet in grassy areas will also help reduce paw pad injury.
Paw protection is also essential. Did you know your pup actually sweats through its paw pads? Mind-blowing, right? So, if you’re going to use dog booties to protect them, opt for breathable ones—think Crocs, but for dogs!
But here’s the real scoop: we stick to a golden rule even with paw protection. If it’s over 90 degrees, it’s indoor playtime only. Your pup’s safety is our top priority!
Can’t make it for those AM/PM walks? No sweat (pun intended)! Our Pawfect team is here to save the day with midday potty breaks or indoor play sessions. We’ll keep your furry friends happy and active without turning them into a hot dog!
4. Watch for Warning Signs of Overheating
It’s important to be aware of warning signs that your pet is overheating. Even our toughest furry friends can fall victim to the Arizona heat if we’re not on our A-game. At Pawfect Pet Sitter, we’re trained to spot those sneaky signs of heat distress faster than you can say “doggy paddle.”
So, what are we looking for? Excessive panting and drooling, lethargy, or vomiting are the top symptoms of heat. If you spot any of these, it’s time for Operation Cool Down! Get your pet to a shaded area, or take them home immediately. If your dog’s condition doesn’t improve, do not hesitate to call your vet.
Now, let’s talk about our adorable brachycephalic, aka flat-faced dog breeds. Examples of these breeds are bulldogs, shih tzus, boxers, and pugs. Due to their shortened snouts, these breeds are extra sensitive to heat stroke, so we keep an even closer eye on them during our Pawfect visits.
Remember, when it comes to heat safety, we’d rather be safe than sorry. Our Pawfect team is always on high alert for these signs, so you can rest easy knowing your fur baby is in good hands. We’re not just pet sitters – we’re pet protectors, ready to swoop in and save the day (and your pet) from the scorching Arizona sun!
5. Additional Precautions
Regular grooming is essential for keeping your pet cool during the summer months. A well-groomed coat prevents matting, which can trap heat and cause discomfort. Regular brushing removes loose fur and promotes better air circulation through their coat, helping to regulate their body temperature. However, it’s important to avoid shaving your pet’s fur too short, as their coat provides a natural barrier against sunburn. Instead, opt for a trim that maintains their coat’s protective qualities while still reducing excess warmth.
Lastly, never leave your pet unattended in a parked car during the hot summer months. Even for a short time, leaving a pet in a car during the summer can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket to life-threatening levels within minutes, even if the windows are cracked. Pets can quickly succumb to heatstroke, dehydration, and irreversible organ damage in such conditions. Leave your pet at home, or give us a call to arrange for a short pet sitting visit!
Remember, at Pawfect Pet Sitter, we’re not just pet sitters – we’re your partners in keeping your pets happy, healthy, and cool as can be. Want to learn more about our pawsome services or book a visit? Hop on over to www.PawfectPetSitter.com. Let’s make this the best (and coolest) summer ever for your furry friends!
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