15 Summer Safety Tips Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

From helping your furbabies keep their cool to tips for safely maximizing your pet's summer fun, these tips will earn you a tail wag or two.

June 29, 2022

By: Maria Conti

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Be Prepared for the Dog Days of Summer

From layering on SPF and chugging water to calling it quits and heading inside to cool off, people know their limits and the proper precautions to take when temperatures start soaring. As simple as it is for people to care for themselves, it's not so easy for our furry friends. As pet owners, we must take responsibility for our companions and protect them from the potential threats that come with the hot, humid months. Keep these tips in mind for wagging tails, appreciative purrs and sloppy kisses all summer long.

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Prioritize Flea + Tick Prevention

The word that comes to mind when I think of fleas and ticks? Yuck. Fleas and ticks are yuck indeed, but they're very common for cats and dogs exposed to warm, humid climates. Frequent baths, topical preventative ointments and full-body inspections are all helpful measures to protect your pet. ASPCA warns against using flea/tick prevention products intended for dogs on cats and vice-versa. Get the full run-down on these creepy crawlers from the ASPCA here, and read more information on how to spot them, treat them and prevent them like a pro.

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Pet-Proof Parties

Who doesn't love hanging out with pets during parties? Befriending the basset hound in the corner is half the fun, if you ask me. If you're throwing a summer soirée, be sure to pet-proof accordingly. ASPCA points out that many of the common snacks and sips people love are toxic for cats and dogs so keep any boozy beverages, chocolate, grapes (or raisins) and onion-clad bites far, far away from your four-legged friends.

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Book a Fresh Summer Grooming

Keep your pup protected from the elements (and looking fierce as ever!) with a proper summer grooming routine. Not sure what that looks like? Ask your veterinarian! While some dogs benefit from a summer shave, others are much better off with bi-weekly baths and routine brushing.

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Provide Proper Shade

Protect pets from the sun by ensuring they have plenty of shaded spots to relax during playtime. That said, the Humane Society warns that not all shade is created equal. The "shade" offered by a doghouse poses a dangerous threat to dogs, as doghouses trap heat inside. Avoid any danger and, instead, opt for shade provided by trees or tarps. This allows for breezy air ventilation and will keep your companion cool and content on warm afternoons.

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Ride Solo

Heat and humidity are huge threats to animals, and it's paramount that pet owners treat them as such. The Humane Society emphasizes that owners should never, under any circumstances, leave their pets in a parked car. "Not even for one minute. Not even when the car is running and the air conditioner is on." Temperatures rise to dangerous levels rapidly during the summer months. Think again if you're considering bringing your pet along for a co-pilot ride while running errands. Leave your furry friend at home with the AC and some cool water to drink, and look forward to their excitement upon your return. Distance does make the heart grow fonder, right?

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Grow Pet-Safe Plants + Posies

There’s no better place for your pup to get out their zoomies than in your backyard. Ensure their safety while exploring their home turf by selecting pet-safe plants and flowers for your garden bed. There are many toxic plants for cats and dogs to avoid, including gardening mainstays like aloe, amaryllis, laurel, American holly, calla lily, peony and more. Read the comprehensive list of pet-toxic plants, flowers and fruits on the ASPCA website to keep your curious pet safe and healthy. If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant or flower, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.

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Throw Them a Life Jacket

If your doggo looks forward to cruising on your boat or canoe every summer, be sure they wear the proper gear before heading out on the water. Even if your pooch is a champion swimmer, it’s crucial to put them in a dog-specific life jacket like the top-rated Frisco Ripstop Life Jacket to keep them safe in the worst-case scenario. Pro tip: Measure your pup before and after they take a bath to get the perfect fit and ensure they don't slip out of their life jacket when wet.

Serve Them a Frosty Treat

There are many (tasty!) ways for owners to combat the temperatures and keep their pets safe. Our tried-and-true frozen peanut butter and jelly treat recipe is an effective and tasty way to keep dogs safe on a sweltering summer day. Be sure to provide a fresh supply of cool water and ice cubes while you're at it.

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Comfort Them Through Fireworks

Fireworks may be festive and fun for humans, but the intense booming noise that accompanies them is a source of distress for our sweet pets. The best thing you can do for your pet during fireworks is to ensure they are safe inside, are microchipped and are wearing a collar with an ID tag. Triple-check that all windows and doors are closed and secure to keep your pup from running away in fear when the scary celebrations begin. During the booms, create white noise to block out the chaotic sounds using your TV, music or noise machines. And, of course, comfort your dog with reassuring snuggles and spoken affirmations to let them know they are in their safe space.

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Apply Dog-Friendly SPF

Pet parents know the importance of applying SPF to their skin daily, but our pups could use some, too! Keep them protected from the summer rays with a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs. Do a small patch test of the sunscreen on your pup before a full-body application to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction. The American Kennel Club says dog sunscreen “should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as these ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs will often lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to look for a waterproof, unscented sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.”

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Swim Safely

Many dogs love to swim, but even the most experienced doggy paddlers need protection and supervision from their parents. The most important rule to follow when taking your dog around a body of water is to keep them within reach and never leave them unattended. Swimming is fun for many pups, but it’s also exhausting. They may wear themselves out or have difficulty getting out of the water on their own, so just like you would never leave your kids alone by the water, use the same caution with your furbaby.

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Plan for Storms + Power Outages

Summer is storm season and with that comes the risk of power outages. In addition to creating an emergency kit and disaster plan for your human family members, make a kit and plan for the pets in your crew. Must-have items include food, water, medications, leash, harness, a stimulating toy and a backup collar with your information in case of separation. Strategize for the worst-case scenario with the comprehensive Humane Society Disaster Plan for Pets, linked here.

Limit Outdoor Play

Cats and dogs love getting outdoors and playing with their pals just as much as we do, but during the summer months, it’s important to keep outdoor playdates to a minimum. Exuberant exercise and high temps are retained by your pets’ coats, leading to an increased risk of dehydration or worse — a heat stroke. When your four-legged family members are playing outdoors, keep water bowls full and a shaded shelter nearby to help them cool off. Inflatable pools are sure to be a hit with your water-loving doggies, too!

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De-Funk After a Skunk

Your dog’s curiosity got the best of him, and now he’s got a skunk spray funk to show for his explorations. Resist whisking your pup to the nearest bathroom, and give him a deodorization in the yard instead. The Humane Society urges you to check your dog’s eyes for irritation immediately post spray — if you detect redness, flush Fido’s eyes with water immediately. Once you’re confident their peepers are clean, combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to create a DIY skunk shampoo. Throw on some rubber gloves, scrub the stink and rinse well before using your go-to dog shampoo for the second round of cleansing.

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Protect Their Paws

The only thing dogs enjoy more than a tasty treat is hitting the streets for an afternoon stroll. Daily walks with your four-legged friend are beneficial to their health but pose dangers during the dog days of summer. According to the American Kennel Club, when outdoor temperatures rise to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature of asphalt, sidewalks and artificial grass soar well into the hundreds. These high temperatures may lead to painful blisters on paw pads and the risk of heat stroke. The American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Jerry Klein, DVM, says, Place your hand comfortably on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.” The solution? Schedule walks during the early morning or late evening to beat the heat as much as possible or invest in protective dog booties to keep those paws blister-free all summer.

15 Summer Safety Tips Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Related To:

Shop This Look

Be Prepared for the Dog Days of Summer

Prioritize Flea + Tick Prevention

Pet-Proof Parties

Book a Fresh Summer Grooming

Provide Proper Shade

Ride Solo

Grow Pet-Safe Plants + Posies

Throw Them a Life Jacket

Serve Them a Frosty Treat

Comfort Them Through Fireworks

Apply Dog-Friendly SPF

Swim Safely

Plan for Storms + Power Outages

Limit Outdoor Play

De-Funk After a Skunk

Protect Their Paws

How to Properly Puppy-Proof Your House

13 Essential Items to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather

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