Pet Care Tips for the Summer Heat
Summer in Philadelphia is a great time to explore the many sites and sounds of our city!
There are so many great attractions, cool events, and restaurants to choose from. Best of all, many places have outdoor seating and are pet-friendly! So you can bring your favorite furry friends along for the fun!
Yet, as fun as summer in Philly can be, it’s also the time when multiple excessive heat advisories are issued throughout the city.
While most of us know what to do to stay safe in the summer heat, we may not know what’s best for our pets.
Here are some essential tips to help your furry friends beat these summer heatwaves and stay safe!
Keep Your Pets Hydrated
During the summer months, make sure your pet has easy access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
Dehydration can occur quickly in hot weather, so consider bringing a portable water bowl when you’re out and about. Pets can become dehydrated more quickly during physical activities or exposure to high temperatures, making it crucial to monitor their water intake and provide plenty of opportunities for them to drink.
Beware of Hot Pavement
Philly pavement gets extremely hot in the summer sun. Sometimes, it’s hot to burn your pet’s paws.
Test the ground with your hand before walking your pet. If it’s too hot to touch, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
To avoid discomfort or injury from scalding pavement, try to walk them during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. You can also use protective booties to shield their paws from hot surfaces.
Provide Plenty of Shade
Ensure your pet has access to shady areas when they’re outdoors. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods, as they can overheat easily.
Portable sunshades or umbrellas can provide temporary relief when natural shade is unavailable on the Philly streets.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Heatstroke in pets is a critical condition that happens when their bodies cannot cool down properly, leading to dangerously high temperatures. This can occur if they’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity outdoors and indoors.
Signs of heatstroke in pets may include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and contact your vet.
Early intervention can help prevent severe health issues or emergencies.
Keep Them Cool When Indoors
When it’s too hot outside, make sure your apartment is a cool refuge for your pets.
The Pepper Building offers air-conditioned, spacious apartments, perfect for keeping your pets comfortable during the summer months. To help keep them extra cool while they’re indoors during heatwaves, consider placing pet-safe cooling mats in their favorite spots.
Never Leave Your Pet in a Vehicle
Of all the steps you need to follow to keep your pets safe during excessive summer heat, this may be the most important.
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car that’s sitting in the summer sun can rise rapidly and become deadly. Never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period, as they can suffer from heatstroke within minutes when sitting in a hot car.
Have a Fun and Safe Time with Your Pets Each and Every Summer
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pets enjoy summertime in Philly the safe and comfortable way.
At The Pepper Building, we’re committed to providing a pet-friendly environment where you and your pets can thrive all year round.
If you have any questions about our pet policy and amenities, reach out to our team today!
Contact Korman Residential at The Pepper Building
If you’re interested in learning more about our apartments and their many benefits, please contact us today to speak with a leasing specialist or to schedule a tour!