Florida summers sizzle, and while you’re keeping cool by the pool, remember to provide your furry family members with plenty of ways to beat the heat, too. Read on for our team’s tips to keep pets cool during Florida’s hottest season.

Tips to Keep Pets Cool

The dog days of summer are here, and to protect your four-legged friends from the Florida heat, make these tips to keep pets cool part of your summer pet safety routine:

Pamper your pet with a cool new coif. Taming your pet’s tresses with regular bathing and brushing can keep your pet cooler in the summer. And if your pet is long-haired, consider visiting a professional groomer for a shorter, cooler new ’do.

Freeze some cool treats. Frozen feline treats made from canned tuna and “pupsicles” made with peanut butter make tasty pet treats on hot days. Another cool trick: add ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl for extra refreshing pet hydration in hot weather. 

Turn your backyard into a pet-friendly waterpark. Use sprinklers, kiddie pools, and your imagination to transform your backyard into a fun-filled waterpark for pets. 

Exercise pets when the sun is low. Avoid walking your dog or engaging your pets in vigorous outdoor playtime during the midday heat. 

Maintain comfortable indoor temps. Even while you’re at work or out for the day, keep the air conditioning set at a comfortable temperature. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, use multiple fans for better circulation. 

Protect your pets from sunburn. The tender, exposed skin around your pet’s mouth, nose, and ears is highly susceptible to the sun’s rays. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on your furry friends to protect them from sunburn.

Provide access to water and shade. Pets spending time outdoors in the summer need access to clean drinking water and shaded areas at all times.

Heat Exhaustion in Pets: Know the Warning Signs 

When it comes to summer pet safety for Florida pets, recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion is critical. When enjoying pet-friendly summer activities, watch for these signs that your pet is at risk of heat stroke:

• Dry gums or gums that are blue, purple, or bright red
• Rapid heart rate
• Disorientation
• Lethargy/weakness
• Excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse/loss of consciousness

Administering First Aid for Pet Heat Stroke

Take these steps immediately if you think your pet is overheating: 

• Move your pet to an air-conditioned (or cooler) environment 
• Gently blot your pet’s coat with cool (not cold) water.
• Use a fan to cool your pet faster.
• Call the nearest emergency clinic or your veterinarian for next steps.
• Immediately transport an unconscious pet to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. 

Our team at Caring Paws Animal Hospital wants you and your pets to enjoy Florida’s beautiful summer season. Please contact us at (813) 723-7297 if you’d like more tips on summer pet safety for Florida pets or if it’s time for your pet’s checkup.