Animal Experts Share 14 Must-Know Tips For a Safe, Pet-Friendly Summer

Animal experts are gearing up for summer and want to make sure you and your pet are ready for the season.

PEOPLE spoke with 14 pet experts, including veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists, to get their must-know tips for summer. These include insights into pet pool safety and outings with your furry friend.

The experts were clear that they want pet parents to have fun with their animals this summer while staying safe, so there are tips on dealing with heat exhaustion, hydration and seasonal pests.

Read on to find out all the tips from the experts.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Act like a savior

If swimming is on your list of activities, choose one responsible person to be the official pet sitter—and rotate that role every 15 minutes. In this way, water security will not slip through the cracks. Get a well-equipped life jacket for pets who love to be in the water! —Dr. Kate Maher, a veterinarian with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

Keep a supply of chilled snacks

Use frozen baby carrots or celery soaked in chicken broth for dental treats that will cool your dog down during the hot months. — Dr. Erin and Ben Schroeder, stars Heartland Docs, DVM

Keep pets away from parked cars

Do not leave your dog in the car on a hot or warm day. It’s unreal how hot a closed car can be in the sun and in the shade, even with broken glass. On a moderately warm day, around 75 degrees, a closed car takes a few minutes to reach 140 degrees, and even in the shade, that car will quickly reach 100 degrees and above. This can easily kill your dog in a very short time. -Dr. Michelle Oakley, star dr. Oakley Yukon Vet

Watch out for ticks

Before going on the trails or camping with your pet, prioritize preventive measures against ticks. And don’t forget to check your dog for ticks at the end of each day. — Dr. Jan Pol, star The amazing Dr. Pol

Photo of a cat being brushed.

Getty Images

Help cats shed heat

Brushing your cat frequently in the summer helps to remove excess fur, which reduces the heat trapped in the cat’s fur. —Julie Castle, Executive Director of Best Friends Animal Society

Make an effort

Use long sunny days to increase the number and length of walks. This is a great way for you and your dog to spend more time exercising and socializing. Early morning or late evening are cooler and more pleasant times. Pack plenty of water – for your pet and yourself. — Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Do a cooldown

Fill the kiddie pool with ice cubes and water so your dog can have fun in the heat too! You can also let him play on a splash pad made for kids. Add stimulating toys to make it even more fun. — Dr. Terrence Ferguson, star Creature Fixers: Earth vets

Avoid travel anxiety

Before you take your pet on a road trip, associate positive behavior with the car by grooming and giving him love in the car before the vacation. —Cesar Millan, dog behaviorist and co-founder of Halo Collar

Watch out for reptiles

Beware of rattlesnakes in certain parts of the country. I live in San Diego, and they are very interesting! I have treated numerous cases of rattlesnake bites and they can be heartbreaking. Look into fencing, snake deterrents and a rattlesnake vaccine for your dog. -Dr. Kwane Stewart, Kismet Chief Veterinary Officer

Photo of a dog hiking.

Stock Photo/Getty Images

Master boarding etiquette

Please discuss any dietary, medication or behavioral issues with the staff prior to departure. Some weight loss is normal if pets are boarded for more than five days, so don’t be concerned if they look thinner when you pick them up. Just give them some extra love and attention (and maybe an extra treat or two!) when you get back. — Dr. Vernard Hodges, star Creature Fixers: Country vets

Mix up a healthy treat

Make a dog-safe smoothie by blending ice, cold water, some plain yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Serve your puppy a small portion in a bowl. — VICTORIA SCHADE, Puppy Bowl lead trainer on Animal Planet and author Suitable for dogs

Beware of hot asphalt

It is important to protect your pet’s paw pads by avoiding long midday walks. Asphalt and concrete temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels and burn their extremely sensitive paws. Dog shoes and paw moisturizers provide additional protection. —Dr. Lori Bierbrier, Senior Medical Director at ASPCA Community Medicine

Treat heat exhaustion

If you think your dog has overheated, dip a towel in cold (not ice) water, wrap it in a wet towel, and go straight to your vet. — Dr. Treyton Diggs, 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.

Make hydration a priority

It is important to always have fresh, cold water available. Unfortunately, many cats don’t like to drink water, so refresh their water bowls daily or try a cat water fountain. — Dr. Callie Harris, small animal veterinarian based in Georgia

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education