While June 20th is the official first day of summer, school is out and pets and their families are already enjoying their vacation time together. Our pets are also amped up for a great summer with more outdoor activity, road trips, and lots more attention from the entire family.
Cats and dogs are very different in many ways, however, many of their basic safety needs are the same. So, as the temperature rises and you venture outside a lot more, don’t forget to keep pet safety in mind. Here are some important things to consider this summer for pet care…

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Cats and dogs alike both need to stay hydrated this summer season. Make sure all your pets have access to plenty of clean water both at home and on the road. With the warmer weather, monitoring your pet’s water intake can be even more important this time of year and some dogs (we’re talking to you Labrador Retrievers!), have the tendency to overindulge in the aquatics department, so keep a close eye. Traveling with a portable water bottle can make hydrating pets on the go easy.
Be temperature aware
Our furry friends do not always know how to tell us if they are too hot – and they may not even know themselves. Some pet trackers with temperature alert features can even alert you to harsh temperatures. Take extra care when traveling by car as you never want to leave your pet in the car even for a short while. Cooling mats, frozen dog treats, and shade can be your cat or dog’s best friend this time of year.
Keeping tabs on your pet
Knowing where your pet is at all times is the best way to keep them out of harm’s way. A pet location and activity tracker can find your pet fast if they get lost, but proactively, you can keep an eye on your pet at all times through pet tracking apps. Make sure the tracker is secured to your pet well and fully charged at all times.
Proactive and reactive grooming
You never know what your pet may get up to (or into) when they are out of sight. Check your pet daily for ticks, fleas or any other unwanted pests as well as matter such as burrs, tree pitch and other signs of nature that may stick to their fur. Keeping your pet well-groomed in the summer can make it easier to find summer pests and also keep your pet cooler with a shorter layer of fur.

Keeping our pets safe is a year-round job and each season brings a different element to think about. A short checklist on your refrigerator door or some other quick reminder will help keep your pet’s health and safety on track for a pawsome summer season.
