Words Jacqueline Nicoll, K & Co. Marketing
Summer’s here! While you’re juggling sunscreen, iced coffee and a calendar full of weekend plans, your pet is silently counting on you to keep them safe through it all. Hot pavement, booming fireworks and surprise road trips may be part of the fun for us, but for dogs, cats and even pocket pets, these seasonal hallmarks can spell trouble without a little preparation. The good news is a few simple shifts in your routine can turn a stressful summer into a carefree one.
Let’s start with the obvious: heat is a health risk. Every year, pets end up in emergency clinics because someone thought a quick car stop was “just five minutes.” It’s not just parked cars: flat-faced breeds like pugs, older pets and those with thick fur can struggle even during a simple afternoon walk. Your safest moves entail sticking to early morning or late evening strolls, making fresh water as accessible as their toys, and considering cooling mats or frozen snacks. A chilled banana-peanut butter bite can be a lifesaver; just make sure it’s the pet-safe, unsweetened kind.
If you’re planning to take your pet on a summer road trip (because let’s face it, their face in the wind is the best part), think like a parent packing for a toddler. You’ll want a secure travel setup, their comfort items, enough food and meds for the entire trip, and a pet-friendly stopover strategy. Spontaneity sounds fun until you’re trying to find an open vet in a small town where your dog ate something suspicious from a gas station parking lot. Think ahead, and the adventure will stay the kind that ends in photos, not panic.
Summer also means barbecues and fireworks. While a delight for us, they are often a sensory minefield for animals. Between sizzling grills and patriotic explosions, pets need their own “safe room” more than ever. This means closing off access to party foods, ensuring guests don’t accidentally leave the gate open, and setting up a cozy, sound-dampened retreat for nights when the sky goes boom. White noise machines, their favourite blanket and your calm presence can go a long way in lowering their stress levels.
And don’t forget grooming. It’s not just for Instagram-worthy pet selfies! Summer grooming is for functional survival. A good trim (never a full shave unless a vet advises it), regular paw checks for burns or debris, and diligent flea, tick and heartworm prevention can prevent everything from skin infections to full-blown infestations. If you have a pale-nosed dog, a pet-safe, natural sunscreen is the best option, and yes, you should be using it.
Summer doesn’t have to mean choosing between fun and safety. Whether your pet is barking at beach waves or curled up inside during fireworks, a little foresight goes a long way. After all, you’re not just their owner, you’re their lifeguard, travel agent, and emotional support human!
