Summer Safety Rules Every Pet Parent Should Know

When it comes to pet safety in the summer, a little preparation can make all the difference. Whether you’re worried about dogs in summer heat or need tips for keeping cats cool in summer, protecting your furkids should always be a top priority. Summer fun brings its fair share of challenges, think heat stroke, poisonous animals, and dehydration, but with a few smart steps, you can keep your pets safe and sound while enjoying the sunny season.

Here’s how to handle the most common summer dangers and keep your cat or dog happy and healthy in the heat.

Watch out for poisonous critters

Over the last year, 8.4% of our total claims in NZ for dogs have been related to accidental ingestion. For cats, that figure is 3.5%.

This is when a pet eats a foreign object that causes health risks. For example, it’s either toxic, it chokes them or lodges in their airway, or it’s unable to be digested and needs to be surgically removed.

Your dog or cat gobbling up a bird is one thing, but holiday destinations pose a few other risks. For instance, poisonous animals include sea snakes, blue bottles, sea slugs, and jellyfish. Even sand can cause problems if your overeager doggo munches down too much.

To keep your pets safe, always watch them closely while they’re exploring new environments. This is especially important when focusing on pet safety in the summer at the beach or lake. If your pet starts sniffing something a little too enthusiastically, steer them away; they might have found a sea creature that’s better left alone.

If you suspect they’ve swallowed something already and they’re showing signs of poisoning or choking, get them to the closest vet as quick as you can.

Read our tips on how to keep your dog safe at the beach before you head out for fun in the sun.

Heat stroke doesn’t just affect humans

Heat stroke is one of the biggest risks for dogs in summer heat, especially if you’re travelling to particularly hot areas.

It happens if your pet’s core temperature rises above 40.5 degrees. If they aren’t cooled down immediately, this can lead to serious complications like seizures, blood clots, damage to their organs, and death.

Pets are particularly prone to this because they’re covered in fur, don’t sweat like we do, nor do they have clothes they can shed quickly to cool off. A pet with thick fur like a Labrador or Husky is even more at risk.

Be sure to look for signs such as excessive panting, salivating, rapid heartrate, bright red gums or tongue, dizziness, disorientation, unsteadiness, muscle tremors, obvious discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.

A pet left on a hot beach, patio, or in a yard with no shade or drinking water can quickly get heat stroke. However, the main cause of heat stroke in pets is leaving cats or dogs inside hot cars. A closed car can heat up in minutes, even with open windows and parked in the shade, so as a rule, pets should never be left in a car.

Hot surfaces hurt paws

Ever walked barefoot on hot sand or pavement and yelped? Your dog, enduring the summer heat, feels the same way! Walking on scorching surfaces can cause painful burns to their paws. To test if it’s safe, place the back of your hand on the ground and hold it there for at least five to ten seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

Stick to early morning or late evening walks when the ground is cooler. For dogs in summer heat, grassy areas are the safest option. If you absolutely need to walk your dog on hot surfaces, invest in protective paw gear. It might look funny, but your pup will thank you later.

Other hazards for pet safety in summer

Apart from those listed above, be mindful of the following concerns around pet safety in summer:

Getting lost

Busy beaches, bustling tourist destinations, and unfamiliar environments – these all increase the risk of losing sight of your dog or cat. Pets should always be collared and tagged, no matter where you go. Be sure to read our tips on finding your lost pet on a holiday or road trip.

Parasites

Depending on your destination, your pet may be more exposed to ticks, fleas, and other parasites. These parasites are active all year but peak in the summer. Our handy guide on flea treatment in NZ will give you a bunch of information on how to prevent these nasties from bothering your fur baby.

Dehydration

It may seem obvious, but always make sure your pet has enough clean water to drink. More time spent outdoors and in the heat indoors requires more hydration. Consider one of these nifty travel water bowls for when you’re out and about.

Sunburn

Your dog can burn in the summer heat just as much as you do. Light coloured dogs with short fur like white bull terriers are especially at risk, as are hairless cats. Apply a liberal dog-friendly sunscreen before you head out into the sun.

Drowning

If you’re swimming in the sea or taking your pet out on a boat, always equip them with a life jacket. The ocean is unpredictable, and you never know when a breaker might take them or they run out of puff.

Fireworks

Summer holidays mean celebrating, and some people choose to do this with fireworks. That isn’t much fun for our pets. Read our guide on pet safety and fireworks to be prepared as much as possible for fireworks.

How to keep your cat cool in the summer

Start by creating cool, shaded spaces inside your home. If your cat loves lounging by the window, consider using a sunshade or moving their favourite spot out of direct sunlight.

Fans or air conditioning can also help regulate the temperature, especially on sweltering days. For a simple trick, try placing frozen water bottles in a towel near their sleeping area; your cat will appreciate the extra chill!

Like we mentioned before, hydration is another key part of keeping cats cool in the summer. Place water bowls in places they frequent often and consider using a cat water fountain to make drinking more enticing. Adding wet food to their diet can also boost their moisture intake.

Another tip to keeping cats cool in the summer is their fur. While you might be tempted to give them a trim, most cats’ coats are actually designed to help regulate temperature. Instead, focus on regular brushing to prevent matting, which can trap heat.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll master the art of keeping cats cool in summer.

Summer’s for fun, not stress!

As much as a holiday destination can bring risks, you’re not going to do anyone any good being paranoid about your pet’s safety. Good common sense and a bit of preparation will go a long way. Take a look at our affordable pet insurance plans to see how you can better protect you and your furry friend/s. 

For more information, also watch this ‘Why Vets Recommend Pet Insurance with Dr Cath Watson’ video below:

Pet insurance for a soft landing

Dog insurance can help provide a safeguard for a wide range of unexpected vet tests and treatment costs. It’s also easy to use and fast to access with your own personalised online policy management profile.

Get one-month FREE dog insurance (or cat insurance) with your plan. Click below to get a free quote!