With the hottest days of the summer so far forecast for the rest of the week, pet owners can’t let the intense heat cause them to forget about their fuzzy family members. Pets can be harmed by the sun just as much as their owners can. “Our pets suffer from summer skin irritations, sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion, just as we do,” says Traci Simo of pet care provider Canine Company. “The difference is they can’t protect themselves. They need our help to be safe and healthy during the summer months.” Keeping your pet’s coat well-groomed can go a long way in keeping them cool. Brush it often to keep it from matting and don’t shave it off unless extremely knotted. The heat can cause asphalt and pavement to get extremely hot and burn their paws. Avoiding these hot surfaces will ensure their paws stay healthy. To keep your pet safe, hydration is the most important factor. Make sure to keep water available to your pet at all times of the day to help them stay cool. “Remember, when it comes to heat and humidity, if you’re uncomfortable, your pet is too,” Sino says. With these tips, both you and your pets can weather this hot week ahead.
