Summertime is everyone’s favorite season, including your pet’s, because there are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together. However, due to the high temperatures during this time of the year, it is important that you, as pet parents, do everything you can to protect your furry friends from the summer heat, especially if you are traveling with your pet.

Understanding Pets and Hot Weather

In general, pets experience hot weather a bit differently than humans. Since they don’t sweat like people, they cope with rising temperatures through panting. However, this method isn’t enough because they breathe in warm air. So, to keep your pet cool on your road trip, you must be fully prepared for anything when you hit the road.

From providing your companion with ample shade and water to grooming their coat, you should do a few things to help your pet enjoy their summer vacation and be safe on the trip. Here are some tips on traveling with your pet in the car.

Protect your furry friends when you travel with them. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

One of the biggest concerns for pet owners during summertime vacations is heatstroke. This medical condition is characterized by heavy panting, lethargy, excessive thirst, lack of coordination, and even seizures.

An effective way to prevent it is to provide your companion with lots of water while traveling to keep them hydrated. If your pup or kitten suffers from a severe complication from the heatstroke, visit a vet nearby to do a quick wellness checkup and use your pet insurance to cover any veterinary costs.

If your pet becomes ill, you can use pet insurance and take it to the veterinarian during your travels. Photo by vadimguzhva via iStock by Getty Images

If you don’t have pet insurance, it is advisable that you research the different types of pet insurance plans and pick the one that will best serve your pet’s needs. That way, you won’t ever have to worry about vet costs, and instead, you could focus on your pet’s health.

Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Car

Leaving your pet in a vehicle in summer is completely wrong, and its importance can’t be stressed enough. Unfortunately, there have been many occasions when pets were left in cars and succumbed to heatstroke very quickly. This is because cars can easily heat up even when it doesn’t feel too warm outside.

Don’t leave your pets alone in the car during the hot summer. Photo by Nataba via iStock by Getty Images

To prevent this, ask your fellow passengers to stay in the car with the air conditioner on to watch your pet whenever you need to take a toilet break or run to the store. Also, keep a water bottle nearby to reduce their thirst.

Head to the Groomer Before You Travel with Your Pet

Another way to protect your pet from the summer heat is to groom their coat before you hit the road. This will help them stay cool during the hot weather and prevent them from attracting parasites.

Start by getting your bud a nice professional haircut. The most important thing you should remember is not to groom their coat too short. This is because a pet’s hair is a natural cooling system that provides coverage from sun damage and parasite bites.

Start your vacation with a visit to the groomers. Image by Spike Summers from Pixabay

To be safe, ask your groomer for a pet bath and consider getting a flea and tick treatment before you travel with your pets.

Take Care of Your Pet’s Skin and Coat

Pets can also be affected by the hot UV rays. If you go to the beach and expose your furry friend to the sun for too long, the rays can cause skin damage and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Animals with white or light-colored coats are more prone to such dangers.

The best prevention for such skin irritations is to keep your pet in the shade when the sun is the strongest. Also, you have the option of applying a pet-friendly sunscreen on their coat.

Lastly, don’t forget to care for your pet’s delicate paws. Either purchase pet booties when you take them for a walk or cool their paws in a pet pool or the ocean.

Don’t forget to cool off your pet’s paws. Many love a dip in the ocean. Photo by Adi Nugroho via Unsplash

As You Prepare to Travel with Your Pet

Although summer is one of the most enjoyable times, the hot weather can harm your furry animal. The season’s rising temperatures can cause severe health conditions in your pet, especially if you are on a summer vacation and don’t prepare them well in advance.

From providing fresh and clean water to protecting your companion’s skin and coat, there are several things you should do to help your pup or kitten enjoy a wonderful and safe summer trip.

For more help, refer back to our guide and follow the tips here to travel with your pet hassle-free. Check out Wander for great pet-friendly travel options.