Rising temperatures are not always fun for our pets who aren't necessarily equipped to deal with the heat and humidity of summer. In some instances, the hot weather and long days of sunshine can pose a risk to the health and happiness of our animals.

As their owner, it is your job to make sure that you understand the challenges of parenting a pet during the hottest months of the year here in Juno Beach. We have compiled this list of tips for how to keep your pet safe this summer.

Keep your pet out of the midday sun

Staying out of the sun during the middle part of the day is good advice for pets and humans alike. The sun's rays are strongest at this time, putting your pet at greater risk of being burnt. Yes, sunburn in pets is a very real issue, especially if you have a furbaby that is short-haired. You can buy veterinary sunscreen to help keep your pet's skin safe, but you should still keep them indoors or at least in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Watch his water intake

Most Juno Beach pet owners pay particularly close attention to how much their pet drinks unless they have cause for concern, but this all changes during the summer when staying hydrated is crucial for your pet to remain healthy. It's important that your pet has access to fresh, cool water at all times. You can even place some ice cubes in their water to keep it cool. If you feel that you need to increase how much fluid they are getting, consider switching to canned foods that have around 80% more water than dry foods, and you can even offer some tasty home-made ice treats, such as frozen peanut butter sticks or ice pops.

Be careful when you walk

If you usually take your pet for a walk in the middle of the day, be prepared to change this during the summer. Some surfaces, including asphalt and sand, become unbelievably hot in the summer months, and this can cause your pet to burn their paws. Check the ground temperature before you take your pet out by resting the back of your hand against it. If it is too hot for you to rest your hand on it for more than 5 seconds, it is going to be painful for your pet to walk on.

Limit physical exercise

We all know that exercising when it is hot outside can be beyond exhausting, and in some circumstances, downright dangerous. The same can be said for your pet. When the humidity and temperatures are high, keep physical activity to a minimum or you run the risk of your pet overheating.

Brush their coat regularly

Hopefully, regular grooming is already part of your pet's routine, but if it isn't, now is the right time to start. Your pet's coat is an essential part of their wellbeing as it enables them to efficiently regulate their body temperature. However, if their fur becomes knotted and matted, or is full of debris and dead hair, it simply doesn't work as well as it should. Daily brushing, even for short-haired pets, will help remove any dirt, debris and loose hair that has accumulated and made them much more comfortable!

Don't leave your pet in the car

If your pet loves traveling with you it may be second nature to take them with you in the car. This is all well and good if you have air conditioning and you are going somewhere where they can stay with you. However, leaving pets unattended in the car is a tremendously dangerous act - so much so that it is illegal in several states. Animals left in hot cars can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocate. Leave your pet at home unless it's absolutely necessary that he comes with you.

For more smokin' hot tips on how to keep your pet safe this summer, get in touch with our animal hospital in Juno Beach, FL today by calling 561-331-6200.