You may already know that extreme cold weather can be detrimental to the health of your beloved animal companions, but did you know that hot weather conditions can be just as dangerous? According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), rising summer temperatures and high levels of humidity could dehydrate your furry friend, damage his or her organs, and even cause your pet to suffer from heat stroke and die. In companion animals, some common signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, breathing difficulties, lethargy, loss of coordination, and dehydration.

While hot weather can be harmful to your pets if the right precautions aren’t taken, there are some steps you can take to keep your animal companions cool as the temperatures rise. For some budget-friendly tips on preparing your animal companions for hot summer weather, review the information below. 

Prepare Your Pets for the Outdoors

Before visiting a beach, dog park, or another outdoor attraction with your pup this summer, you’ll need to prepare your pet for hot weather conditions and other health hazards like internal parasites, teas, and flicks. Deworming medications can be used to protect dogs and cats from intestinal parasites, while flea and tick products repel biting insects and keep your pets safe from potentially harmful diseases and infections.

Keep Your Companions Cool and Comfortable

To keep your pup cool and hydrated throughout the hot summer months, you’ll also want to look for a portable food and water bowl that can be taken along with you whenever you leave home with your pet. These dishes are affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry around in a bag or backpack — and some are collapsible, foldable, and feature a clip that can be attached to your purse, travel crate, or leash. Dogs require more water on hot summer days, but the actual amount will depend on your pup’s size, age, diet, and activity level. Additionally, cooling vests, collars, beds, and mats can all help to keep your canine comfortable in hot weather conditions. 

How to Save on Summer Essentials for Your Pets

To save money on flea, tick, and deworming medications — and other summer essentials like portable dishes, cooling vests, leashes, collars, and anything else your pets may need — be sure to shop online at budget-friendly retailers.

If you can’t fit these summer essentials into your household budget, other things like frozen water bottles, ice cubes, and plenty of shade can also help to keep your dog cool on hot days. Alternatively, you can make dog-friendly popsicles out of rice milk, honey, peanut butter, and a banana — or you could treat your pooch to a nice soak in some cool water. 

Other Tips to Keep Pets Safe on Hot Summer Days

In addition to purchasing a few pieces of warm weather gear for your animal companions, the following tips will help to keep your pet safe, healthy, and active during the hot summer months:

• Limit outdoor exercise when temperatures are especially hot
• Keep your pets indoors when humidity levels are high
• Avoid walking your dog along asphalt surfaces on hot days
• Never leave pets alone in a parked vehicle, even with the air conditioning running
• Create a disaster preparedness plan for your household, as this will help you to act quickly in the event that you lose power on a hot day
• Unneutered pets are more likely to wander; if your pet is unneutered, get them “fixed” through Mississippi Spay and Neuter!

With these budget-friendly tips and supplies to help you prep your animal companions for the heat of summer, you can rest assured knowing your pets will stay safe, healthy, cool, and comfortable — even when temperatures and humidity levels are high. If you have any questions or concerns, however, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for assistance.