Keeping your pets cool this summer
Coolaroo Pet Bed
Massive heat waves across much of the United States has crippled our ability to enjoy the good ol’ days of summer. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63 percent of Americans are pet owners. This includes many of you reading this right now. You know that you and your family are not the only ones trying to stay cool this summer. But, that’s hard to do when you want to enjoy the backyard. Same goes for your pets. See your dog panting over there, it’s because he’s hot. So, short of keeping your pets locked up throughout the summer, what can you do to keep them, and yourself, cool?
1. Keep hydrated – both indoors and out
When you’re outside grab some water for you and Rover. Keep water dishes available so that your pets can have a drink. Cats are more independent but still need easy access to water, so put a small dish outside for them as well. Depending on your dogs size, find a dish that will hold enough water for them without it overflowing or being tossed out due to dogs splashing it out. Inside, make sure that there is plenty of water when you head back in.
2. Keep an eye on your pets
If your dog is panting heavily or taking breaks during their walk, it may be a sign that they are too hot and need to cool down. Get them indoors and hydrated quickly. You never want to leave your animal in the car while you run into the store. Too many people have experienced the pain that comes with not taking proper care of their animal.
3. Add shade to the yard
You can add different sun shade types to your yard that will create a safe haven from the sun for both you and your animals. Shade can be erected in many parts of the yard. Coolaroo offers different shade clothes that will fit over patios, over trees and even offers specialty pet shading. Shade can keep an area up to 10 degrees cooler and offers a break from even the most intense heat waves. Thanks to the different shade designs, you can maximize the effective area of shade. Take some dimensions of your yard and see what shade options you have.
No matter what type of patio or yard you have, you need to keep your pets and yourself cool through the summer. It’s easier to look for the warning signs of heat exhaustion than it is to drive to the vet or hospital. Make sure you keep plenty of water for your pets and you, watch over them and keep them in areas where they will not get overheated.
Summers about having fun and with the right combination of sun shade, hydration and a watchful eye, your backyard summer will be one to remember.
