Warmer weather is on the way which means many of us will be spending more time outside. From backyard BBQ’s and road trips to longer walks in the park, summer is the time to get outside with our favorite four-legged family members. Grab that leash or your pet carrier and let’s make this a summer to remember.
Prep for Success
- Whether you’re heading out of town for a weekend or down the road for an afternoon out with your pet, preparation is key.
- For a weekend away, make sure to pack all your pet’s essentials. Items like proof of vaccinations, food and toys help make your new destination feel like home for your pet.
- Make travel easy on yourself by visiting your nearest Save A Lot and grabbing a bag of our Oliver & Scout Dog or Cat Food. With several varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find a flavor your pet loves. The smaller 3.5 pound bags are great for those short weekends away.
- If staying closer to home, make sure to have fresh, cold water and a bowl readily available to keep your pet hydrated.
- Pro tip: Put a bottle (or 2) of water in the freezer the night before your outing so it can freeze. Then as the day goes on and heats up, you’ll have more cold water on hand for your pet as the ice melts.
Keepin’ It Cool
- Summer temperatures can rise quickly so avoid strenuous exercise on hot days.
- Be mindful of the temperature of the surface you are walking/running on with your animal. A dog’s paws can burn easily if exposed for long periods of time to hot asphalt or concrete.
- Fill a child-size pool up with cool water so you pet has a place to cool off.
- Pro tip: Beat the heat by taking walks early in the morning when the temperature is a bit cooler.
Travel Time
- Never leave any animal in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes.
- Plan pit stops accordingly so animals aren’t left unattended for long durations. Roadside rest stops are a great place for leashed animals to stretch their legs for a few minutes.
- If traveling by car, keep animals cool by wrapping ice packs in towels and placing them either inside the animal’s crate or near their seat.
- Pro tip: Keep a spray bottle filled with water on hand for these travel days. Spritz your dog down occasionally to help keep them cool.
Tasty Treats
- Whether on a road trip or staying in town, make sure to stock up on your pet’s favorite treats. Keeping items like our Oliver & Scout Dog Biscuits on hand in your car is a great way to keep a nervous or first-time traveler calm in the car.
- Dogs aren’t the only ones who deserve some tasty treats. Our Oliver & Scout Cat Treats Catnip Pouches are sure to help keep cats calm while traveling to and from your destination.
- If you’ve got a bit more time, why not try making your own seasonal pup-sicles? Yep, pup-sicles are totally a thing. You can search the web for a variety of dog friendly freezer treats and recipes, but if you’re looking to keep it simple (which we always are), you can follow these simple instructions:
- Combine 2 cups of Coburn Farms plain yogurt, 2 ripe bananas, 3 Tbsp Nutsome Peanut Butter in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mix into a lined muffin pan or silicone molds and freeze (about 3 hours).
- Remove from molds or pan.
- Note: if using muffin pan liners, remove liners before serving. The remaining pup-sicles can be stored in the freezer for future use.
Staying Safe
- Fleas and ticks love the warmer months, so keep your pet safe by keeping them well groomed. Bathing and grooming your pets frequently helps keep fleas and ticks away.
- While you’re bathing your four-legged friend, make sure to pay close attention to the front shoulders, back area and inside and behind the ears. Those warm spots on your pet are ideal places fleas and ticks like to hide.
- Visiting your veterinarian for professional flea treatments is another way to ensure your pet stays flea and tick free this summer.
