Keep Pets Safe with these Summer Care Tips

Summer is a time when we all like to spend more time outdoors, and that includes your pets. While you’re out having fun in the sun, you can keep pets safe with these summer care tips.

Especially now that my family lives in sunny Florida where the afternoon temperatures are already in the mid-90s, there are some things I’ll be doing to keep my dog safe in the heat. Keeping Winston cool and hydrated, protected from summer insects, and feeding him a healthy diet are just a few things I’ll be sure to do this summer.

This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®. All opinions are my own.

Keep Pets Safe with these Summer Care Tips:

Take walks during the cooler hours of the day. On hot days limit walks to the very early morning hours or evening hours after the asphalt has had a chance to cool. Asphalt gets very hot during the summer months and can easily burn your pet’s paws.

Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside. Pets can get sunburned too, so when spending time outdoors you may want to apply sunscreen to his or her nose and ear tips.

Make sure your pet has unlimited access to fresh water. Fill water bowls often, especially those outdoors. I keep a collapsible water bowl and bottled water in my car to make sure Winston has something to drink when we visit the park.

Related Article: Ways to help your local animal shelter or rescue.

Never, ever leave your pet in the car. Just minutes in a hot car can cause your dog heat stroke, heat exhaustion, brain damage or even death. Please, don’t ever do it. Not even for a minute. And, if you see a pet sitting alone in a hot car try to get some help.

Be wary of garden fertilizers. Summer is a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. Take extra care to make sure the chemicals you use are not harmful to your pets.

Feed your pet a healthy diet. Even more so during the active summer months, pets need a healthy diet. Dogs more than cats are beggars. I know it is tempting to treat your dog when you’re grilling burgers and hot dogs, but it is a good idea to keep this to a minimum. Instead, feed your pup something like Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® PEAK Open Range Recipe™ with Beef, Venison & Lamb or Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® PEAK Northern Woodlands Recipe™ with Turkey, Duck & Quail. They are a natural food for dogs with added vitamins & chelated minerals. These nutrient-dense recipes which satisfy your dog’s instinctual cravings are available right where you shop for your family’s groceries. These protein-rich, grain-free recipes will satisfy your dog’s cravings, and they’re made with real U.S. farm-raised beef or turkey.

These recipes are made with ZERO grains, glutens, fillers, poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or artificial preservatives. Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® PEAK dog food is for dogs of all sizes. I’ve been feeding my pets Rachael Ray Nutrish for several years now. Learn more about Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® PEAK.

Give your pet a summer cut. Long haired dogs can easily overheat during the summer months. Talk with your groomer about a shorter, summer cut that will help your dog stay cool. I keep Winston’s fur much shorter during the summer months.

Keep your dog free from fleas and ticks. Both fleas and ticks are pesky summertime threats to your pets. Be sure to use a flea and tick preventative as recommended by your vet. Also, be sure your pet is on a heartworm preventative, since the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which are out in full force during the summer months. A pet safe insect repellent will also help keep mosquitoes away from your pet.

Rachael’s Rescue® is another reason I LOVE Rachael Ray Nutrish!

Rachael’s Rescue® was created for all of the forgotten pets – the ones who might not have someone who loves them as much as they deserve. A portion of proceeds from each sale of Nutrish is donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need through Rachael’s Rescue. Through December 2016, Rachael’s Rescue has donated more than $17.5 million dollars to pet charities and other organizations that do good for animals. The funds are used for food, medical supplies, treatments, and more for animals in need. Many more animals around the country need help, and through Rachael’s Rescue, together we can make a difference in the lives of many four-legged friends.

Stay connected with @nutrish on Instagram. Will you be spending time outdoors with your pets this summer?

You might enjoy making this fun sailboat craft using recycled Rachael Ray Nutrish wet dog food containers!