Whether you’ll be swimming at the beach or doing other fun summer activities with your canine companion, it’s important to always keep an eye on your pup. That’s because, in certain situations, the warm heat can be harmful to your dog. If your dog spends too much time under the sun, for instance, they can overheat and suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
As such, you need to take the necessary precautions to ensure your dog stays safe and healthy. That said, here are some tips to ensure that you and your pup can enjoy an awesome summer getaway together:
Bring Your Pet’s Summer Essentials
Like most pet parents, you may already have a dedicated bag for all your furry friend’s essential supplies. These pet essentials should include your pup’s travel food and water bowls, an ample supply of dog food and water, treats, spare collars, leashes, pet waste bags, and grooming items, to name a few.
If you don’t already have one, make sure to add a spray bottle filled with clean water to your pup’s summer travel bag. You can use this item to clean off your pup’s dirty paws before letting them into your car. If your pup needs to cool down a bit from the heat, you can also use the spray bottle to mist cold water onto your pup’s fur.
Having these items on-hand will ensure that you can keep your dog well-fed and comfortable throughout the trip. That being said, it may also be a good idea to invest in durable and higher-quality items, such as PrideBites customizable pet products, so that you’re sure to get your money’s worth. The last thing you’d want, after all, is for any of these products to break while you’re out on vacation.
Keep Your Dog Safe Whenever They’re Playing in the Water
During the summer, many pets and their parents enjoy spending time in the water. Some popular summer activities include spending a day at the beach or taking a refreshing dip in a lake.
While it can be a lot of fun for your pup to splash around, you need to keep an eye on your pet at all times to ensure their safety. This is especially important if your pup isn’t a good swimmer, as they might struggle to get in and out of the water or possibly even drown.
If this is the first time you’ll be taking your dog swimming, consider giving them swimming lessons before the trip. Don’t worry if you have no experience in teaching pups how to swim; you can, instead, enroll them in a doggie swimming class suitable for your pup’s age and size.
Check and Repair Your Car’s Air Conditioner Before the Trip
If you’re planning on taking a road trip, it’s important to make sure your air conditioner is in great working condition before you leave home.
Should your AC break down while you’re on the road, the summer heat and the lack of circulating cool air can make staying inside the vehicle quite uncomfortable for you and your canine friend. And even if you were to drive with the windows down, this wouldn’t be enough to prevent the possibility of suffering from heat exhaustion, as the temperature inside your car can still rise relatively quickly during hot weather.
So, just to be on the safe side, have your car’s AC checked out and repaired before you head out on your summer road trip. The amount you’ll spend on car maintenance is well worth keeping your pup safe and comfortable during your travels.
Check with Your Chosen Airline Regarding Ideal Travel Hours for Passengers with Pets
If you’re taking a plane to your summer vacation destination, remember to first check if your airline has any restrictions regarding traveling with pets.
For the safety of their passengers’ canine companions, many airlines limit pet travel hours or the pet breeds they accept onboard, especially for larger breeds that usually stay in the cargo area. This is because the heat on the tarmac can increase the temperature in the cargo hold very quickly. The excessively hot environment, in turn, can cause pets to suffer from heatstroke.
Given this, some airlines only allow pets to travel as cargo in the early morning and evening hours, as these are the times of day when the sun is down and the temperatures are much cooler. To be sure that your pet can fly with you, make sure to call your airline to clarify if they have any restrictions when it comes to bringing pets onboard.
Going on summer vacations with your beloved pet is a great way to bond with each other and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But if you aren’t careful, the hot weather may cause your pup to experience all sorts of discomforts or even health issues. By following these tips, though, you and your fur baby are sure to enjoy a safe and memorable trip together.
