Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer with the Right Equipment (Leashes, Lifejackets & More!)

Whether you’re planning a day on the lake or will be hiking deep in the woods, make sure that you and your pet have the proper equipment. Traveling with your four-legged friend can be a memorable adventure but it also poses certain risks. Having the right equipment on hand can make all the difference in the safety and comfort of your pet. Let’s look at some must-have pet supplies to protect your pet during summer activities.

Common Risks to Pets During Summer

Summer presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm weather with your pets. Unfortunately, heat and other factors can pose certain health hazards. Some of the most common risks to pets during the summer months include:

1. Heat

As a general rule of thumb, if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pet. Both heat and humidity can be hard on animals, especially if you don’t have the proper supplies to keep your pet safe. Heat is not just a safety risk inside. You should also never leave your cat or dog in a hot car, which can become significantly hotter than outdoor temperatures when the ignition is off.

2. Sunburn

It’s a common misconception that animals can’t get sunburn due to their furry coats. In reality, any exposed skin can suffer sunburn, especially in breeds with short coats. Fortunately, there is specially formulated sunscreen on the market designed for use on animals.

3. Insects

Insect bites are another concern during the summer. Mosquitoes in particular can be harmful to pets, particularly those that spread infective larvae that can mature into adult heartworms. The good news is that heartworm can be prevented by using heartworm preventatives prescribed by your vet. Also, ask your vet about protection against fleas and ticks.

4. Allergies

Even pets suffer from seasonal allergies, often leading to uncomfortable symptoms like itching and skin infections. With help from your vet, you can target which types of allergies your pet is suffering from and find a suitable treatment to help manage the animal’s condition.

5. Plants

When spending time outside with your pet, there’s a good chance that he’ll encounter some unknown plant life. While many plants are harmless to pets, even if ingested, some can cause concerning symptoms, such as upset stomach, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Closely monitor your pet when outdoors and discourage any eating of unknown plants.

Essential Pet Supplies for Summer Activities

Choosing the right pet supplies can help protect your cat or dog from a wide range of risks while enjoying summer weather. Some of the most important equipment to have for your pet include:

1. Activity-Specific Leashes

While you may believe all dog leashes are the same, this is far from the truth. Have several leashes available for different activities. For example, a waterproof product, such as a Biothane leash, mimics the waterproof properties of silicone, making it a great option for water activities. When hiking or jogging with your pet, choose a hands-free leash that will give you both freedom and flexibility.

2. Protective Booties

High temperatures can cause concrete and similar surfaces to heat up, posing a burn risk to your pet’s paws. A well-fitting pair of dog boots can help protect your pet’s pads from hot pavement. Choose a pair of booties that are sturdy with anti-slip soles and reflective strips to help keep your pet visible.

3. Dog Life Jackets

Although most dogs have the natural instinct to swim while in water, there is always a risk that your pet may get pushed too far away from shore. If this happens, a lifejacket could save his life. Like human life jackets, canine life jackets keep dogs buoyant on the surface of the water and encourage them to use all four legs to swim to keep them horizontal in the water.

4. Pet Seatbelt

Your summer activities will likely involve trips in the car, which means keeping your pet safe during your travels. To prevent your dog from jumping from the backseat to the front, or out a window, always have your pet secured. While high-activity dogs should be placed in a kennel during the trip, more relaxed pups can benefit from a simple seat belt designed specifically for pets.

5. Cooling Mat

High temperatures can be rough on animals and can put them at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While there are many ways to help your cat or dog cool down, a cooling mat is one of the most effective. Cooling mats are designed to absorb the animal’s body heat, helping them to cool down and get more comfortable. Once your pet leaves the mat, most recharge in as little as 20 minutes.

Other Must-Have Supplies

• Portable water bowls
• Pet first aid kit
• Foldable pet ramp for your vehicle
• UV protection dog shirt
• Pet sunscreen

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Summer with Your Pet

With summer in full swing, it’s time to think about fun summer activities you can do with your pet. However, be sure to prepare for these outings by gathering the proper equipment to keep your pet safe and healthy. With a little preparation, you and your pet can enjoy a fun and memorable summer!