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Travel Tips: Protecting Your Pet From the Summer Heat
Travel Tips: Protecting Your Pet From the Summer Heat
Pets can suffer from heat-related conditions
just like people do. Because some pet-friendly accommodations
have policies that don't permit guests to leave pets unattended
in rooms, pets often accompany their owners when they leave their lodgings
to take in the local attractions.
Keeping your pet cool and contented in the summer heat
can present a bit of a challenge when you're vacationing,
but a little preparation and planning can go a long ways.
Help protect your pet from the summer heat with the
following tips:
Never leave your dog unattended and locked in a
hot car, even if you park in the shade.
Cars can heat up
very quickly and in just a few minutes your pet can suffer
severe illness or even death.
If you absolutely must leave your pet in the car
,
make sure the air-conditioning is on and functioning properly
and check on your pet frequently - preferably keep him
within sight! Better yet, have someone in
the family or a trusted friend sit with him -- or:
Consider the use of a reliable doggy daycare
for
the times when you aren't able to take your pet along. Some
lodgings may even offer short-term pet-sitting services.
Make sure there's cool water and shade available.
If your pet is outside with you for long periods of time
and there's no natural shade, you can "create" shade
with a large umbrella stuck in the ground or a tarp stretched
across a few poles. Carry water with you if you hike with
your dog, and offer him a drink regularly. Some dogs also
love to wade or swim for pure fun and to help keep cool.
Use a window shade and air-conditioning
to help
keep the car cooler and more comfortable for everyone.
Choose activities that you can do with your pet:
- Instead of eating out at a restaurant, have them pack up
a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. Or order room
service if it's available.
- Choose self-guided hikes on pet-friendly trails instead
of guided tours that may not welcome dogs.
- Instead of going to a beach where pets aren't welcome,
choose a safe, shallow lake where your dog can have
fun too.
Enjoy the time with your pet... after all, that's why you brought him!
