Summer is here, bringing longer days and nice weather for fun with your furry family member. However, the heat of summer can be dangerous for your cat or dog. Know how to keep your pet cool and protect them from the heat with grooming and smart habits, so you can enjoy a safe summer together.

Summer Safety for Pet Owners

1. Summer Grooming

If you’re warm, think about how your pet must feel in their fur coat. Routine grooming will pull out the undercoat as they shed it for the warm season. Do not shave your dog, as their fur is a protective barrier from the sun and leaves them susceptible to sunburn. You can talk with your groomer about a summer cut, though. Whether they should get one will depend on your dog’s breed and individual needs.

2. Bring Them Inside

Sitting outside in the summer sun gets hot, fast. Bring your pets indoors for the worst heat of the day between 10 AM and 4 PM. Ensure that they have plenty of cool water all day long, as this helps them regulate their body temperature. If they must be outside, give them a cool spot with shade to get out of the sun.

3. Exercise Wisely

Limit your dogs’ exercise to the early morning or late evening when it’s a more reasonable temperature. This will keep them comfortable and they are less likely to suffer heatstroke. Walk your dog on the grass whenever possible, as asphalt gets extremely hot in the sun and can burn their paws. Carry water with you so they can stay hydrated while out of the house.

Excellent local grooming will get your dog or cat off to a healthy start to summer. Robinwood Kennel provides grooming along with their pet boarding and kennel services for pet owners throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky area. They are only minutes from Northern Kentucky University and about a 15-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. Visit Joe, Carol, and Peggy online for more information and call (859) 781-2352 to schedule your pet service.