As the summer sun continues to shine, it's the perfect time for pet owners to gear up and enjoy outdoor adventures with their furry friends. Whether your favourite activities are planning hikes, relaxing beach days, or simply enjoying your backyard, it is important to ensure your pet stays hydrated and safe outdoors. Here are some of our essential tips to make the rest of this summer a safe, enjoyable and memorable one for both you and your beloved pet.

Hydration is Key

Like humans, water is essential for pets to stay hydrated, especially during these scorching summer months. Drinking enough water helps pets maintain a normal body temperature and supports the function of almost every system in their body! Like us, pets can quickly dehydrate, leading to safety and health risks. To make sure your pet gets adequate hydration before and after outdoor play, Pets Essentials offers a variety of water bowls to encourage drinking for different pets and preferences. For example, the uahpet ZERO Water Fountain for cats has a trickling water feature + a built-in 6-level hydration system to entice more frequent drinking, all while removing heavy metals and organic contaminants from the water. The VooCoo Wave Elevated Pet Bowl Duo, suitable for cats and dogs, solves common drinking problems in a simple and elegant way. The waves on the bowl edge provide comfortable space for chins and whiskers, while preventing the bowl contents from mixing. This design helps keep your pet’s food and water fresh and hygienic.

Treats on the Go, for Energy & Recall

Having snacks on hand is helpful for recall and a little nourishment for your pet while out and about – the Coachi Train & Treat Pouch is a great option to store your snacks while on the go.  Choosing from nutritious, whole-foods treats such as the Dog Treat Naturals Beef & Pumpkin Sticks and the Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Treats for cats is a great way to give them a small energy and nutrient boost during long days outdoors and between mealtimes. 

Choosing Safe Outdoor Gear

Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, make sure your pet is equipped with the proper gear. This can include a harness, a collar with identification tags, and a leash. Pets Essentials has you covered for all the above! If you’re travelling somewhere by car, consider a car-friendly harness to keep dogs safe during sudden stops and potential collisions. As well for cats, the Stylish VooCoo Fynn Pet Travel Bag is a great option as it can be secured with seat belts during car trips. For safety in public and unfenced spaces, we recommend the Doggie-Q Mesh Harness with Leash for dogs, with a breathable mesh design to ensure comfort in hot weather, or  the Simon's Adjustable Harness & Leash Set for cats that comes in a variety of unique and stylish designs. For collars, the Simon’s Collar offers various colours and prints, and is ideal for cats to roam and spend time exploring the neighbourhood: its easy-release breakaway collar prevents them from getting trapped if the collar is snagged during an adventure, and the little bell will help alert local birds and wildlife of your cat’s approach.  For extendable/retractable leashes, the Flexi brand offers a range of colours, materials, and strengths based on your pet’s size. For our full breakdown of travel essentials, you can read last month’s Travel Blog here.

Rest and Recovery

After a day of outdoor fun, provide your pet with a comfortable place to rest so they will want to do the adventure with you all over again! A bed made from woven grass can help with cooling and winding down or the CUMFY Reversible Bed is another great option. 

Adventure Safety Tips

A few other key considerations while out with your pet this summer:

• Check for Hazards: Before letting your pet roam freely, it is important to inspect the area for potential hazards such as sharp objects, litter and food waste, or threatening wild animals.
• Stay Hydrated and Fed: Offer water and snack breaks frequently, especially during vigorous activities like hiking or playing fetch. Never let your pet eat food left on the ground, as it may be accidentally or intentionally contaminated with dangerous materials.
• Know Your Pet’s Limits: Not all animals are built for extreme heat or intense hikes. Adjust activities based on your pet’s breed, age, and fitness level. Monitor them throughout the day to ensure they are feeling well, and offer them shade or a dip in a safe water source as necessary.
• Emergency Preparedness: Carry a pet first aid kit with essentials in case of minor injuries. This kit should include the NaturPet Skin Aid Spray for cleaning wounds, surface cuts, scratches, boils or abscesses, and insect bites . Then, to promote further healing, the Nova Scotia Fisherman Pet Balm provides intense moisture care and supports skin healing for rough paws, cuts, scrapes, scratches, and troubled areas.

To wrap up, summer is a time for bonding and fun-filled adventures with your pet. By prioritising hydration, safety, and comfort, you can ensure that every outing is enjoyable and safe. Following these tips and equipping yourself with the right, supportive products will lead to a summer of unforgettable memories and adventures.