With more activities, time outdoors and hot weather and sunny days together, your pet is's going to be feeling all kinds of happy. Whether it's their first time being around bodies of water and barbecues or they wait all year for the summertime, it’s always a good idea to brush up on pet care safety tips. We've rounded up a few important things to keep in mind.
Keep Your Pets Cool With These Summer Safety Tips by Chuck & Don's
SUMMER LIVING SHOULD BE EASY. AND SAFE
BARBEQUES
All those hot dogs, meaty snacks and melted cheese can be irresistible to dogs. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet, secure them with a leash or close off cooking areas with pet gates. The same goes for any open flames like fire pits and bonfires. Need to keep them busy while you eat? Try a bacon, peanut butter or cheese treat.
FOOD
The aftermath of any great party can be a bit messy: leftover drinks, unattended food or bones, utensils and the like. Popular foods like avocado and guacamole, onions, alcohol, grapes, whole peaches, ice cream, chocolate, fat trimmings and bones, desserts or peanut butter can be toxic for pets. Make sure to clean up before they get into trouble with the leftovers!
SUN
Ah, the smell or sunscreen and bug spray. While these products protect us, commonly used chemicals like zinc oxide can be toxic to pets. Avoid applying products too close to them or letting them lick them off your skin.
Dogs can get sunburn and heatstroke, too! Having a shaded area where they can rest with plenty of clean water and a chew toy allows them to chill outside without overheating. Be aware that their nose, ears, belly and bare patches are especially sensitive to the sun. Try some of our favorite paw products for extra moisture and protection against burns from hot asphalt. Don't forget flea and tick protection, too.
OVERHEATING
Be aware of early signs of overheating and heatstroke. Things like heavy panting, drooling, rapid breathing and changes in gum color could mean your pet needs to get out of the heat and may need medical attention. It’s important to make sure your pet has constant access to clean and cool water. And, of course, never leave your pet in a hot car unattended where these signs of heatstroke can be missed.
Check out our cooling products and frozen treat recipes for more fun (and delicious!) ways to keep your pet cool.
OPEN WATER
All pets are superheroes. Not all of them are natural swimmers, though. It’s important to never force a dog into the water. If they like to swim, keep in mind that dogs can tire quickly. Keeping them close and wearing a life vest on open bodies of water like oceans and lakes is always a good idea.
If your pet’s wild about the water, get involved with a fun water toy to make it even more exciting.