FEATURE — As the sun shines brighter over Southern Utah, things begin heating up for some fun in the sun! But hold on a second. Before you start making those summer plans, let’s talk about how it impacts our precious pets.
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With the Fourth of July right around the corner, it’s essential to keep their safety in mind during all the festivities. Fear not, pet parents! We’re going to explore some tips on how to keep your four-legged pals cool, calm and collected this summer season.
First things first: let’s talk about hydration stations. Just like humans, pets need to stay hydrated, especially as the days become longer. Refill drinking bowls with fresh, cool water throughout the day (ice cubes help), and consider placing a few extra bowls in different rooms of your home and definitely in your yard or on your patio. This will encourage pets to drink more often and avoid heat-related stresses and ailments.
They may have fur coats, but dogs are just as susceptible to the summer heat and sunburn as we are. While shaving your dog may seem like a logical way to cool them, their long fur actually shields their skin from burns and helps keep the body aerated and thus, cooler.
Summer in the Southwest would be hard to face without shade. Whether it’s a shady tree in the backyard or a cozy spot indoors with the AC blasting, make sure your pets can find refuge from the sun’s rays. Keep in mind the ground temperature as well. Hot pavement can quickly burn paws. Boots for your dog are available in a variety of styles that will make a desert hike a lot more pleasant for your best friend. Your dog may take a little time to adapt to paw coverings but will thank you with a wagging tail of approval.
Summer is the perfect time to explore new trails or to simply soak up some sunshine in the backyard. Pests, like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, can really spoil the fun. Keep pets up to date on their flea and tick preventatives, and consider using pet-safe mosquito repellents to keep those little bloodsuckers at bay. And if you’re heading to the beach or lake, don’t forget to bring along a pet life jacket for safety in the water, even if your dog is a strong swimmer.
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The sweet sounds of summer include fireworks! While humans may love the dazzling display of color in the night sky, pets often find them downright terrifying. With the coming Fourth of July and Pioneer Day (July 24) festivities ahead, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to keep furry friends safe and calm. The unexplained loud noises, bright flashes of light and rumbling vibrations shake some dogs to the core with fear. Anxiety is an elevated response of the nervous system, which is exhausting over long periods of time.
Close curtains and create a cozy hideaway in which pets can take cover during fireworks displays. A quiet room indoors or a familiar crate draped with blankets and padded with pillows for extra soundproofing provides a safe environment. Play some music, the TV or a fan for white noise. It will help drown out the booms and bangs and calm their nerves. Many dogs benefit from calming supplements, CBD and natural herbs. We recommend a trusted brand, Healthy Paws’ No More Drama, a highly effective supplement to reduce anxiety.
July afternoons are perfect for a backyard barbecue. Firing up the grill with hotdogs and burgers is a uniquely American summer tradition enjoyed with family and friends. But before you slice into the watermelon, remember that some foods can be harmful to dogs and cats. Keep the grilling meats out of reach, and be mindful of foods like onions, garlic, grapes and chocolate, which can all be toxic to pets. Instead, treat them to some pet-safe snacks like Real Meat treats or homemade pup-sicles to keep them cool and satisfied.
Last but not least, let’s address car safety. We all know that leaving a pet in a hot car is a big no-no, but it’s worth repeating. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car in direct sun can skyrocket in a matter of minutes, putting pets at risk of heat stroke and dehydration. If you’re running errands or heading to the store, it is best to leave your pets at home where they’ll be safe and comfortable.
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So there you have it. Follow these tips, and with some TLC, you will be ready to soak up the sun and make long-lasting memories with your furry companion by your side. Cheers to a paw-some summer!
For more information on health and wellness for your pet, visit woofcenter.com, stop by WOOF! Wellness Center & Training Academy in Santa Clara or call 435-275-4536.
Written by ANITA DELELLES, LMT. DeLelles is a certified equine and small animal acupressure practitioner with accreditation from the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute and a member of IAAMB. Her Tallgrass training has included two consecutive summers in Bath, England, near where she lived as a child, as well as coursework in Colorado and northern California. Additionally, she is certified in animal massage from the Northwest School of Animal Massage as well as human massage in the state of Utah and is a graduate of UNLV.
In 2013, DeLelles and her husband, Ron, opened WOOF! Wellness Center & Training Academy to serve pets and their health-conscious pet parents. WOOF! is dedicated to improving the quality of life for companion and competitive animals through fitness and conditioning, education and proper nutrition. DeLelles shares her life with Ron and their overly pampered cats in Santa Clara.
This article was originally published in the May/June 2024 issue of St. George Health and Wellness magazine.
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