Tips for pet care during the summer season

Summer can mean lots of fun outdoors with your beloved pets. But when the temperatures soar, there are some precautions that you need to take to protect your pet. Whether it’s a walk outdoor, or a car ride or just to play in the park, it is important to keep your furry friend safe & healthy.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your pet during summer-

1. Watch out for these symptoms in case of a heatwave during summer
During a heatwave your pets might undergo excessive panting, increased heart rate and drooling. In such cases, if they are kept outdoors, make sure they are resting in shade or just move them indoors and let them relax in a cool and dry place with lots of fresh and clean water.
2. Never leave your pet in the car
Refrain from keeping your pet in a closed car as it can lead to heatstroke and suffocation. On a normal day the temperature inside a car can reach up to 40 degrees celsius within 10 mins and up to 120 degrees celsius if left in direct sunlight. So even if you think it will only take a few minutes, it is a strict no-no.If you’re driving around with your furball in the car, carry water and a bowl with you. Take your pet along when you leave the car.

3. Get rid of those parasites
Make sure that your pet is protected from ticks, fleas and lice. Ticks are most active from the months of March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. Ticks are active any time the temperature is above freezing point. It is advisable to keep an anti-tick spray handy as it helps to kill ticks and rid your pet from the scratching nightmare.

4. Keep your pet’s paws cool
When the sun is up, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really hot! Concrete slabs such as the ones used in the making of a pavement are directly exposed to sunlight. The concrete absorbs the heat and stores it while releasing it slowly. Due to concrete trapping the heat, the slab gets very hot which can in turn burn the paws of your pets. Try to keep your pooch off hot asphalt; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. Always keep their paws clean and dry.

5. Grooming your pet
Do you feel squeaky clean and fresh after coming out of the shower? Your pet feels the same way. Basic grooming includes washing the fur and brushing it and can also include grinding and nail trims. Grooming often includes pet massages to help the pet relax. Summers also call for a cool haircut for your pets. Subsequently, your pet's coat is designed by nature to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By opting for a complete shave down, you are interfering with their built-in temperature regulation. It is a good idea to get your pets groomed regularly as this helps them stay relaxed and comfortable.

6. Watch your pet’s weight
Many pets tend to put on a few kilos during the winter months. Summer is the perfect time to increase their level of exercise and get them in tip-top shape. Take your pet for walks early morning or late evening. This time period is perfect for taking your pets on a walk so as to avoid direct sunlight and also because of the air being cooler and soothing for both you and your pet.

7. Feeding the right food
If your pet loves a cold chunk of watermelon (seedless please!) on a hot summer day then that’s no surprise. It is important to include liquids in the diet or ensure that the food has a gravy like consistency. Our wiggles wet food could help your pet with that, *wink, *wink. Fruits and veggies with a high level of water content prevent your pet from getting dehydrated and provide the proper nourishment. Alternatively curds and rice, buttermilk or even peanut butter mixed with curds are some great summer food options for pets. Along with that, watermelons, bananas, oranges, cucumbers are also great summer foods for your pets. Ice Creams are a strict no-no and chocolates too. Avoid products with salt & sugar in them. Make sure that your pets do not get dehydrated due to the scorching heat and ensure that you increase their water intake through cold veg or chicken soups. Do not serve hot food to them during the summer, ensure that its at a cooler temperature.

8) Choose the right products and accessories for your pets
It's advisable to not clothe your pet in summer with hoodies or doggie tees. Their coats should be allowed to breathe free, unless you are taking them for a walk outdoors and it's slightly sunny. Take off the collar, take off the harness and free them from the leash for a few hours. Also check under the collars for ticks or fleas. Choose shampoos that have healing ingredients like aloe vera and anti-tick properties such as tea-tree oil.. Keep an anti-tick spray & a wound healing spray handy at home.

9. Importance of a vet visit during summer
If your pet shows any signs of dehydration or excessive drooling and panting, please rush them to your vet and get them checked. If you notice any signs of fever or vomiting, call your vet and explain the symptoms as tick fever is a common occurrence if ticks are left ignored on your pet. Travelling in the heat with your pet might be stressful so, check if your vet can do a home visit.

Summer may be tough on our pets and on us too, but just requires some thought and attention. Take care of your pet as you would take care of a small child, protect them from too much heat and other summer dangers & everything should be just fine.

Inputs by Anushka Iyer, CEO and Founder, Wiggles

READ ALSO:
6 Lockdown summer pet care tips to follow
With limited or no access to pet salon services, most pet owners are resorting to taking care of their pet's grooming, diet and exercise needs at home.And as summer hits its peak, there are few things pet parents need to keep in mind to ensure the well-being of their pooches and cats.

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