Keeping our pets safe is always top priority, but seems to be even more of a concern during the warmer months. This post is part of a Mom It Forward Blogger Network campaign sponsored by PetArmor. All opinions are my own. Now that we are all done hibernating, it's time to be more active and enjoy the outdoors. I have heard from several sources that ticks are extra awful around here this year. That's just one of the many threats that comes around during summer. Instead of being the paranoid spaz that I typically am, I am trying to be proactive and take steps so that we can all relax and enjoy the summer that we have been not-so-patiently waiting for.
7 Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Summer
- Keep them close. If you go for a walk, keep your pets on a leash so they don't wander off. This is for many reasons, but especially on nature hikes around here. Going too far off of the path and into the woods can lead into tick territory. I have even been going into the yard with our guys at all times due to coyote problems lately in our area. I don't want to take any chances.
- Bring water. Always allow your pet access to water. There are little portable water bowls available. I forgot this once and was struggling to give the Grump water in my palms. :/
- Clean them more often. Why is it that dogs smell something nasty and immediately roll their entire bodies into the stench? Not sure, but ours do it all the time. Who knows what the heck they are picking up that way. Extra baths are on the summer agenda!
- Don't skip the flea & tick prevention. Our vet recommends applying flea & tick prevention year round, but definitely never skip it during the warmer months. Last year my friend's dog got a tick bite and now has Lyme disease. PetArmor Plus for dogs kills fleas, flea eggs, lice and ticks.
- Leave them home. I cannot believe people still need to be told not to leave their pets in the car, but you hear tragic stories all the time. Just leave them at home when it's hot out!
- Weigh them. Make sure you know the weight of your pet so they are getting the right doses of preventive medicine. I know Hilo has been on the fence with his heartworm chews for a while now. Whenever he goes over 100 lbs, we have to purchase additional chews for him. I love that the PetArmor Plus comes in 89-132 lbs. There's no mystery there. He's definitely in that bracket and always will be.
- Make them a priority. Most of you can tell by now that our dogs are like our children. We try to make them as happy and comfortable as possible at all times. I do everything that I can to make sure that I am home during “scary times”, like thunderstorms and fireworks. Last year the 4th of July was horrifying to the Grump. Now that we know that, we do what we can to help him feel safer.
Always make sure to choose the right PetArmor Plus product for your pet. Pay close attention to the age and weight on the package. Never split the tube between dogs, and get the right formula for your pet's species (dog vs. cat). Be consistent and apply the product only once every 30 days. Application is simple. Just apply the solution to the dog's fur from neck to mid-back.
Once again, ticks are supposed to be extra awful this year, at least in this area. Take this seriously to keep your pets safe!
PetArmor Plus can be purchased at Walmart in-store and online. Find more info by visiting the PetArmor website, liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter.
What tips do you have to keep your pets safe during the warmer months?
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
We live in a woodsy area and ticks are a major concern for my dog (and kids). We go hardcore on the tick prevention because my SIL ended up with Lyme Disease from a tick bite and I am kind of paranoid about it now.
Jennifer says
Oh gosh that’s horrible. It’s so scary and a legit worry!!
Kelsey Apley says
We have one dog and he stays inside all day. We only take him out to go to the bathroom and to exercise at times. We just make sure to have water for him, as he gets hot very easy, you have a great list of tips!
Jennifer says
Oh yes, our dogs are never left outside. They are in all day except for potty breaks and when we are out there with them. I definitely don’t think dogs should be left out all day!!!
Carlee C says
These are great tips!Our dogs are indoor pups, but we always increase the water, and definitely keep on our regular Flea and Tick control applications.
Dawn Lopez says
Our fur babies are JUST as important as family so it really is important to give them lots of attention and make sure they’re happy and healthy just like their human counterparts! Since dogs overheat pretty easily plenty of water is a fantastic suggestion, especially if they’re outside a lot and lead an active lifestyle.
Pam says
Great tips! It’s so important to keep dogs and other pets safe in the summer. They’re just like the rest of the family!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
We’ve just treated with PetArmor as well! We only got Dobby in January but in the past we’ve run into problems with fleas getting into the house and feasting n my cats.
Onica {MommyFactor} says
I was surprised by a few tips on this list. Shows people can still learn a few things about keeping pets safe this summer. Very useful tips.
Chrishelle says
These are some great tips to keep your fur babies safe. We almost had a tragedy yesterday. My littlest fur baby rode to the store with my daughter and fell asleep in the car. My daughter forgot about her and left her in the car. Thankfully it was parked in the shade and my little one was okay. Always make sure your babies are out of the car before locking up.
Tammilee T says
Such great tips! I can tell that fleas are popping up all over our area. Time to get the pets treated.
Julie Wood says
Make sure to leave the pets at home when it is hot! It makes me so mad to see people leaving dog’s in a hot car. I always make sure to have a flea and tick color on my dog, especially this time of the year. And my dog rolls around in stuff too! He does not like to be clean.
Brigid OHara Koshko says
Great information! Pets are so vulnerable to heat and humidity. I walk my dog early in the morning and I limit when I allow my cats out in the yard to try and beat the heat and humidity. They know how to stay cool by finding a nice spot in our rec room (which is in our basement) and sleep away most of the day.
rachael smith says
These are helpful especially living in TExas!