10 Tips for Pets During the Dog Days of Summer

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Be sure to beat the dog days of summer with the ten tips for keeping your pet safe when outside in heat!

My sweet Molly Mae is still her old spunky self. She may be 13, but you wouldn’t know it. Sure, she’s got some gray hairs (who doesn’t?), and likes a nap every now and then (once again, I can relate), but don’t call her old! Please don’t, because I just can’t take it.

Now that the weather has turned for the better (and the rain has abated… finally!), Molly has been spending her days in our backyard. She loves watching the coming and goings of walkers, dogs, and chipmunks in the hood.

Although I’m home most days, I let her spend most of her afternoons outdoors (she prefers it), but because it is heating up (and she is an old gal), I thought I’d look up some tips for making sure that she stays healthy in the warmer temperatures.

They don’t call it the dog days of summer for nothin’! I learned a few things found several pointers that I thought might be worthwhile to pass on to y’all. After all, for many of us, our pets are our first babies!

10 Tips for Pets During the Dog Days of Summer

1) No food will keep your dog cooler, but food helps keep body temperature up, so dogs may not need to eat as much in the summer. Can’t say that’s been an issue for us.

Since switching to Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend dog food, available at PetSmart, she’s been a member in the Clean Bowl Club. As an older dog, I want to make sure that she doesn’t drop too much weight.

Purina® Pro Plan®’s goal is to give your pet the nutrition to be her absolute best. Savor® Shredded Blend Formulas are made with real poultry, meat or fish as the #1 ingredient in all dry formulas; with 100% complete & balanced nutrition I know she’s getting the optimal levels of protein and fat that will help Molly maintain an ideal body condition.

2) Planning a summer vacay? If your dog stays at a dog-friendly hotel with you or at a kennel, consider bringing food from home. A change in diet can cause stomach problems and the stress of being away from home could cause your pup to not want to eat… especially strange food. I’ll be packing my Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend dog food up for Molly Mae on our travels this summer.

3) Just like your kids, never, ever (ever, ever), leave your dog in a hot car.

4) Always make sure your pup has plenty of shade and water when outside.

5) Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours.

6) Dogs sunburn too, for realz! Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog’s exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. They make formulas specifically for pets.

7) Avoid hot pavement and sidewalks that can burn your pups paws. Also, tennis courts and the like can more easily tear up your dogs paws when warm. Spot check them after play, and if necessary consider getting them protection for their paw pads – you can buy wax or boots depending on what suits your dog best.

8) Limit exercise on hot days.

9) Brush your pet! A lighter coat helps keep pup cool. If she has trouble sitting for a good brushing, keep treats nearby. Who can say no to a tasty treat? 🙂

10) Don’t give your dogs people food when cooking out. Fatty food, fragile bones and items like corn cobs can all do bad things to your pets intestines! Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend is all she needs!

Stay safe, cool and hydrated this summer folks! Oh, and if you pop into PetSmart, if you spend $15 on any Purina® Pro Plan® product, 5/31–7/5. you’ll save $15 on your next purchase of 10.5-lbs. or larger Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat or Dog Food or Litter by 7/31!