Summer is a fantastic time to make memories with your furry friends. Whether you’re taking your dog on a summer holiday or enjoying the sunshine at home, it’s important to keep pet safety in mind. High temperatures, strong sun and travel plans can all pose risks for pets. With a few simple precautions, you can visit a pet-friendly hotel this summer and have a fun, worry-free vacation with your four-legged family member.
We love offering accommodations for the whole family, and welcome pets! With our beautiful summertime weather comes long days soaking up the sun. We’ve compiled pet safety tips that make it easy to keep your furry friends safe while you’re enjoying activities and making memories.
Many pets don’t regulate heat as easily as humans and can overheat quickly in warm weather. Dogs cool down mostly by panting and through their paw pads. Follow these summer do’s and don’ts while travelling with your pet or spending time outside.
Summer Pet Safety Do’s
Provide fresh water and shade: Hydration is critical in the heat. Offer cool, clean water often, especially when active outdoors. Use a portable water bowl and bring shade like an umbrella or sun shelter if out in the open if out in the open. Freeze a bottle of water or bring ice cubes to keep water cold. You can also give frozen pet-safe fruits, like apples, as a cold treat.
Keep ’em cool: Our canine pals are so good at playing, but can easily forget how to keep cool when they’re having too much fun in the sun. Make sure you take frequent breaks, and if your dog likes to swim, a quick dip can do wonders for lowering their body temperature and alleviating stress on overworked joints.
Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Summer Heat: Asphalt, concrete, and sand can all become extremely hot in the summer weather. Protect your dog’s paws by walking them in the cooler mornings or evenings, and avoid walking them on anything other than grass during the midday heat. Pet shoes can also be a helpful way to protect paws while you are out enjoying the sunshine and beaches. Remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them! Watch for limping, licking or red, blistered pads. Seek vet care if needed.
Supervise lake visits: Many dogs enjoy swimming in lakes or the ocean. Always supervise them and consider a dog life jacket for safety. Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs can struggle in the water due to their breathing difficulties. Know your dog’s limitations and swimming ability before letting them enter the water. Not all breeds or individual dogs are natural swimmers, so always use caution.
Clear their ears: Swimming is an excellent way to keep your dog cool and happy in the summer heat, but it’s important to remember to clean your dog’s ears after going in the water, especially if they have floppy ears. Drying your dog’s ears with a towel after they are done playing in the water helps prevent painful ear infections and expensive vet bills. This is also a great time to sneak in some extra snuggles!
Keep pets out of parked cars: Never leave your pet alone in a car. Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside rise fast. Air conditioning can fail, so it’s not a safe solution. If your pet can’t go inside with you, plan pet-friendly stops. While driving, make sure the car stays cool and comfortable. Watch for panting or drooling as signs of overheating.
After outdoor adventures: Check your pet for ticks and remove them promptly. Also inspect their paws for cuts, debris or signs of irritation. Look for burrs, foxtails or grass seeds that may have become stuck in their fur or between their toes. Brush their coat to remove dirt and help prevent matting or skin issues after a long day outside.
Know the symptoms of overheating and heat stroke in your pet. Things to look for are excessive panting and drooling, difficulty breathing, dizziness or confusion, mild weakness or increased lethargism, staggering around and a body temperature over 104 degrees. If your dog starts to display signs of discomfort, take them to a cool air conditioned room, and monitor them until they recover. Know where the closest emergency vet is located whenever you go on vacation.
Summer Pet Safety Don’ts
Don’t ignore heat stress: Learn to spot heatstroke signs early. Watch for panting, drooling and weakness. Severe signs include vomiting, red gums, wobbling or collapse. Move your pet to shade, offer cool water and dampen them with water on the belly, groin and paw pads. Never use ice water. Cool your pet gradually and contact a vet right away.
Don’t skip sun protection: Pets can get sunburned too. Dogs with short coats or light skin are most at risk. Talk to your vet about pet-safe sunscreen. Never use human sunscreen with zinc oxide or PABA, which are toxic to pets. Apply pet sunscreen to exposed areas like the nose, ears and belly. Use shade or protective pet clothing to reduce sun exposure. Avoid direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don’t let your pet drink unsafe or too much water: It’s fun to include your dog in your lake plans, but make sure you closely monitor how much lake water your dog ingests. Water toxicity can be very dangerous to dogs, sometimes leading to emergency vet visits or fatalities. Keep them close by and make sure to always have cool, clean water accessible to drink. Lake water is full of micro bacterias that can cause your dog to get sick with a stomach ache and other gastro issues.
Quick Travel Tips For Your Summer With Pets
Use this guide to make sure you and your pet are ready for the road:
- Research pet-friendly places before you go.
- Stick to your pet’s routine. Feed, walk and play at usual times.
- Pack essentials. Include food, water, waste bags, medications and a towel for drying or cooling.
- Bring familiar items like their bed or favourite toy.
- Keep pets secure. Use a leash or carrier in public. Check the windows and doors in your hotel room.
- Never leave pets unattended. Avoid tying them outside shops or leaving them alone at campsites.
- Monitor activity. Offer water and breaks often. Let shy pets rest when needed.
- Practise good pet etiquette. Keep pets leashed, clean up waste and avoid nuisance barking.
- Choose hotels like Watermark Beach Resort with trails and a dog beach nearby. For local ideas, see our blog Dog-Friendly Activities and Restaurants Near Our Hotel in Osoyoos.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a safe and fun summer holiday with your pet. Taking your dog on a summer holiday can be stress-free with preparation and care. Stay cool, stay safe and have a tail-wagging good time.
At Watermark Beach Resort, we love hosting guests and their furry companions. For more information, visit our main Pet-Friendly page. You can also read Pets Welcome and Dog-Friendly Activities and Restaurants Near Our Hotel in Osoyoos. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friend.
