Like most things in life, long summer days are made better when you have a furry companion by your side. And in order to make sure both of you have fun while also staying safe, it’s essential to take certain precautions and get your pet all the supplies and gear necessary for thriving in the heat. The good news is that you can achieve this without breaking the bank. By shopping at the right places and using coupons, you can save big on all the best summer pet products. And by keeping your pet safe, you can avoid expensive vet bills. Let’s get into some budget-friendly ways to help your pet (and you) have a healthy and happy summer.
Take advantage of savings opportunities.
First of all, you may need to purchase a few products that help to keep your pet healthy and happy through the dog days. For example, a harness/leash, elevated bed, and cooling collar are some items that can improve your pet’s experience in hot weather. Fortunately, you can get a lot of what you need at an affordable price from retailers like Chewy. And by utilizing coupons, cashback offers, and discount codes, you can deepen your savings.
Keep them hydrated.
Dogs and cats can become dehydrated much easier than humans, especially when they are hot. So, ensure your pet has clean water available at all times, even if that means taking bottled water with you when you’re away from home. One inexpensive product to consider is a collapsible bowl, which will make it easy to give your pet water wherever you go. Moreover, if you notice your pet drooling more than normal, it could be a sign they are dehydrated.
Protect them while swimming.
Even if you think your pet is an expert swimmer, you should never leave them unsupervised around water. And if you go out on a boat, ensure that they have a life jacket that will not slip off. Along with taking steps to keep your pet from drowning, thoroughly wash them off after they have been in the water. You don’t want chlorine and/or other substances to settle on their skin.
Make sure there is shade.
It’s also important to make sure your pet gets plenty of shade when they are outdoors. Not only can dogs and cats become dehydrated, but they can easily become overheated, which can lead to heatstroke. This is because they pant and drink water to cool off rather than sweat.
If your pet is panting heavily, their drool is thicker than normal, they are vomiting or having diarrhea, their gums are bright red, or they are having trouble walking, they could be overheating. The easiest way to tell for sure is to check your pet’s internal temperature. Anything above 103 °F for dogs and 102.5 °F for cats can be dangerous.
In addition to ensuring your pet has access to shade when they need it, avoid shaving their fur during summer. While there’s nothing wrong with giving your long-haired dog a trim, shaving their fur off will put them at risk of sunburn (yes, that happens with dogs!). Furthermore, look into the various types of sunscreen that are specifically designed for dogs.
In order to have the summer you dream of with your pet, you need to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe and healthy, which includes getting regular check-ups at Orion Animal Hospital. Purchasing cost-effective products and using savings opportunities is a great way to start. Also, make sure your furry little friend stays hydrated, safe when swimming, and protected from overheating. Before long, you’ll both be having the best summer of your lives!
