Summer is the perfect season for getting outdoors and enjoying the warmer weather with your furry best friend. However, all that warmth and sun can take a toll on your pet’s well-being. Keeping them safe when the weather warms up is always a priority, but if you’re like most pet owners, it can feel like a bit of a mystery. Here are a few easy pet care tips to protect your dog from the sun and heat this summer.

3 Simple Summertime Pet Care Tips

1. Keep Them Inside During the Hottest Part of the Day

Every day, the sun is at its most intense between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During these hours, temperatures reach their highest peak and shade can be difficult to find. Whenever possible, keep your pet indoors during the afternoon. If they need to be outside, make sure they have access to plenty of water and use patio umbrellas or tarps to create shade for them to retreat to. If you’re boarding your pet for a summer vacation, make sure the kennel is equipped to protect your pet from the sun.

2. Consider Using Sun Protection

Just like humans, dogs can get a sunburn when they spend hours laying out in the yard. If your dog is the type that always seeks out the sunniest patch of grass, consider investing in protective clothing. Even a standard white T-shirt can help deflect some of the sun’s rays, but there are pet-specific clothing lines that specialize in creating sun protection for pets. If they refuse to wear clothing, ask your vet or pet care specialist for an appropriate pet-friendly sunscreen recommendation.

3. Avoid Summer Haircuts

While shaving your pup may help keep them cooler on a hot day, it also puts them at risk for a sunburn and skin conditions. Long hair acts as natural sun protection, keeping your dog’s skin covered and out of direct sun. The less skin they have exposed, the lower the risk of sunburn and irritation. Rather than shaving your pup, leave their hair long and keep them cool by offering plenty of shade and water in the yard.

At Almost Home Pet Resort in Covington, KY, their pet care specialists understand that the health and well-being of your pet is your top priority. Their state-of-the-art pet boarding facility will guarantee that your dog or cat is properly looked after, cared for, and played with whether they’re staying for a few days or two weeks. Learn more about their services online and call (859) 356-8181 to book your pet’s stay today.