Summer is the perfect time to have fun with your pet outdoors, but all of that fur can make them prone to heat exhaustion. Fortunately, there are a few preventative measures you can take to keep your furry friend happy and healthy during the warmer months. Below, the veterinarians from Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA, share some helpful tips to keep your pet cool as the temperatures rise.

A Veterinarian’s Top Tips for Keeping Your Pet Cool in the Summer

1. Play During Cooler Hours

Getting enough exercise is crucial for maintaining your best friend’s well-being, but the summer heat can pose health risks. To protect your pet against heat stroke, wait until the cooler hours for playtime. If you’re an early riser, take your pet out in the morning before it starts to heat up. If you prefer to be active in the evening, wait until after sun sets.

2. Provide Shade & Water

For days when you and your pet are going to be in the sun, you’ll need to provide them with adequate shade and water. If you have a yard, bring out a kiddie pool for your dog to splash around in and stay cool. For beach days, make sure you take an umbrella so they can rest once they’re done playing in the heat. And, of course, wherever you go, always have a supply of drinking water for them. 

3. Keep Your House Comfortable

If your dog is home alone while you’re at work, it’s important to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Leave the air conditioning on, and close your curtains. If you don’t have AC, leave a window open and keep a fan on to circulate air throughout the home. You might want to consider installing blackout curtains to reduce the heat. 

4. Don’t Keep Pets in the Car

Even if you’re only going to be gone for a few minutes, never leave your pet in the car. On a hot summer day, the temperatures inside will quickly soar to dangerous levels. If the temperature outside is in the 80s, after only 10 minutes, a car with a window cracked can reach over 100 degrees. When taking car trips, either leave your pet at home or make sure you can take them inside wherever you’re going.

For exceptional veterinarian services in Statesboro, GA, choose the trusted experts at Westside Veterinary Hospital. With over 25 years of experience, their team is dedicated to the health and wellness of your furry loved ones, whether you need emergency services or routine vaccinations. Visit them online for more information, or call (912) 489-1998 to make an appointment today.