“The perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawnmower is broken.” – James Dent, author.
Whether your summer plans include epic travel, picnicking in parks, or setting up camp in the backyard, you probably want to include your favorite fur friend. Good idea… with just a few caveats! Planning ahead will only help in making this your pet’s ~best summer ever~ (and yours, too!).
Your Guide to an Amazing Summer
The “dog days of summer” are usually the hottest (and most humid) of the year. This sunny season also comes with some potential risks for our pets. Luckily, with a bit of planning, you can make sure the summer is filled with great dog (and cat) days – for the whole family.
First things first:
🐾 License and Tag Your Pet! 🐾
Getting everyone home safely from summer fun is a top priority, of course! This time of year may mean more:
- Time outdoors
- Group gatherings
- Fireworks and noise
- Fascinating smells
- Plus, a surprising number of other distractions
All of these factors may increase the risk that your four-legged friend will wander or run off.
What’s the most impactful thing you can do? Protect your pet by ensuring they are licensed. Licensing makes a huge difference:
- Licensed pets make it home faster than unlicensed pets.
- Local shelters use critical funds from license fees to provide shelter, food, and vet care for missing, stray, and abandoned pets, 24-hour emergency rescue for animals in need, low- or no-cost spay/neuter programs, and adoption programs.
- Local communities become more pet-friendly and can structure resources to support their local pet population.
DocuPet Tags Make a Difference
Whether you live in a licensing community or not, protect your pet with a DocuPet tag before heading out on those summer adventures. Not only do we have the perfect tag to match your pet’s personality, all of our tags also include the free HomeSafe™24/7 lost pet service. If your pal does get separated from you, anyone who finds them can quickly and easily look up their unique pet profile just by referencing their tag. With the help of our always-available dispatchers, your pet has the best chance of being reunited with you – and back to enjoying their best summer ever.
🥾Stay Smart on Walks 🥾
If you’ve got a pet, you probably already know – they make the absolute BEST personal trainers! Why? Because they never let you take a day off. Well, ok, they might, BUT man, do they make you feel guilty about it! And while we love that they keep us active, on scorching hot days, outdoor cardio is not always safe for our pets. That means you might need to take the outdoor activities easy.
What kind of temperatures are we talking about? It’s probably not as hot as you may think. Starting at around 70°F, it may not be safe for really long or intense outdoor walks with your pet – that’s lower than you might have guessed, right? When the temperature soars, the risk of heat stroke and dehydration also increases. And don’t forget to factor in humidity levels – whether there is a breeze or not. Some breeds might fare better in warm climates than others, meaning your husky or giant malamute may be more sensitive to the heat than, say, a greyhound or Doberman. Know your dog and their comfort level.
So what can you do on those steamy days when you and your furry friend still need some exercise? Skip your regular mid-day walk and opt for an early morning or late afternoon stroll to avoid peak temps, and if you can, choose a grass or dirt trail over the scorching hot pavement. If walking on a hot road is the only opinion, protect those paws with some booties that work in the hot and cold! And remember, when it’s super sultry out, you don’t need to work with as much intensity. Instead of your usual rugged-terrain climb or fast-paced run, you can burn similar calories and canine energy with a slower, more gentle outing.
🌊Be Water Savvy 🌊
When it’s 95°F with 5000% humidity, there is nothing better than a cool-off at the pool or pet-friendly beach. Want your pet to be part of the fun? Of course you do! Whether they are an avid swimmer or are unsure whether this is playtime or the world’s biggest water dish, keep safety top of mind.
Make sure your pet is under constant supervision – just like you would a child under your care. They might call it the doggy paddle, but even the strongest of swimmers can get into trouble if they misjudge how far they can swim or panic because they can’t feel the ground underneath their feet.
Not to mention, some dogs are just plain daring! The kind who dive in first and ask questions later. It can spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E when a pet’s skill level doesn’t quite match their enthusiasm. Regardless of your pet’s prowess, think about investing in a PFD (personal flotation device) designed for pets and suited to their weight and size. Bonus points because your pet will look ADORABLE.
Don’t forget to think about your setting:
- Poolside: Got a backyard pool? (We’ll be right over!) The same rules apply for pets as for kids: make sure your pool is fully fenced and keep the gate closed. For added safety, a motion-activated alarm might be the single best buy you make this year.
- Boating: Ahoy, matey! Your pal may love cruising while you fish or hanging on the pontoon with your two-legged buds. Some adventurous pups even have the core strength for paddleboards! Whatever your mode of travelling through the crisp water, make sure you keep eyes on your pet at all times and – again – seriously consider that PFD, even for strong swimmers. You never know… and you can never be too careful.
- Beach: Surf’s up! But really, if the surf is up, you need to be extra cautious of your pup playing in the waves and currents. And, if your toes feel too hot on the sand, your dog is likely feeling the same; plan for breaks and pack plenty of water! (A PFD isn’t a bad idea either – have we mentioned that? 😉)
🛣️ Road Trip Wisely 🛣️
You’re hitting the open road, heading to that awesome picnic or scenic outlook – doesn’t that AC feel good?! But what happens when you need to go into a store and you bump into someone, resulting in a “quick” 20-minute convo? Or when you stop at a restaurant that doesn’t allow pets? Never forget that once the AC is turned off, your cool car can quickly turn into an inferno. IT’S NEVER SAFE TO LEAVE A PET IN A HOT CAR.
But it’s not that hot? It is. It’s only 70°F. Within 20 minutes, though – the duration of that “quick” chat or the first round of apps and iced teas – the temperature inside your vehicle can rise quickly up to nearly 100°F. This is way TOO HOT for your pet or anyone else. And no, a cracked window does not help.
So before you pack up your pet for a car ride, ask yourself:
- Are you planning any unnecessary stops during the drive?
- Do you have a travelling companion who can stay with your pet while you run into a store?
- Are any establishments along your route pet-friendly?
- Should you really be taking your pet with you? Would they be safer at home? With a friend or pet sitter?
⚕️Keep Health Top of Mind ⚕️
Be sure to pack everything your pet needs on a daily basis, with special consideration for seasonal fun AND seasonal problems. Here are a few key items to keep in mind as you plan for your next adventure this summer:
- Hydration: When the mercury rises, pets – and people – need extra hydration. Make sure they’re getting plenty of water, especially when they are outside, on the road, on the boat, or otherwise on the go. Need a travel water system? Check out our Pet Essentials store for great hydration options like the Springer Mini-Travel Water Bottle that conveniently includes the liquid and a bowl without wasting any precious H20.
- Unknowns: Escaping to a seaside cottage or a fabulous Airbnb makes for an amazing vacation. While you are packing up your bathing suit and sunscreen, don’t forget to put some thought into your pet’s needs, ensuring they are safe and comfortable in a new environment. Some helpful items to stow away:
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- Familiar items for cozy rest/sleep time (e.g. their bed, blankies, or even their crate)
- A Pet First Aid Kit for emergencies
- Toys! Bring those favourite chewies and lawn/fetch games. For cats, don’t be afraid to just bring the scratching post while you’re at it (it might just save your sister’s couch!)
- The essentials. Yes, this means poop bags. And don’t forget your pet’s leash, collar, towels, and other must-have gear.
- Treats. Because… Treats.
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Have the Best Summer Ever
Heck yes! Go out and enjoy those dog (and cat) days of summer. With some simple precautions, essential gear, a set of watchful eyes, and a DocuPet ID tag, this truly can be a season to savor.
