Summer with your pets

Preparing for summer with your pets isn’t just practical — it’s a fun and interactive way to ensure their safety and comfort. Your pets will appreciate the extra effort spent to help ease them into the warmer months, and the process can be an enjoyable bonding experience. Here are some ways to prepare both indoor and outdoor pets for the rising temperatures.

Which pets need to prepare for summer?

With the exception of animals that live in climate controlled settings like reptiles or fish, all pets need additional care or modifications leading up to summer. Even pets that spend the majority of their time inside can benefit from warm weather preparations. From outdoor to indoor animals, here’s how to prepare each type of pet for warm weather.

Outdoor pets

As you can imagine, outdoor pets require the most support during the summer. But, because they are accustomed to living outside, outdoor pets have the advantage of acclimation on their side. Summer temperatures typically don’t hit all of the sudden, so the gradual transition from mild to hot temperatures helps your pets adjust to the coming season. Still, there are some things you can do to help them prepare, and during unexpected heat waves.

Chickens

Most breeds of chickens tolerate the cold better than the heat, so even small gestures can go a long way in helping prepare your hens for the heat. When making the transition from spring to summer, here are some favours you can do to help your flock:

Provide plenty of shade: One of the best ways to ensure your flock stays safe and cool during hot weather is to provide them with plenty of shade. Chicken run covers block harmful UV rays and give your flock solace from the scorching sun. Placing a shallow container of water in the shade for chickens to submerge their feet in will also help keep them cool.
Keep their coop clean and airy: Summer brings hot and humid conditions, so it’s more important than ever to keep their coop clean and dry to prevent respiratory issues and parasites. Having an insulated, easy to clean chicken coop will make this task even easier.
Offer refreshing treats: Stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh greens, and melons to offer in a chicken treat holder on sweltering days. Freeze puréed fruit in moulds or ice cube trays to offer as a special treat, and make sure their water is changed often to keep it fresh and cool. Electrolytes can also be added to their water as needed.

The majority of chickens are resilient to both heat and cold, but some breeds like Silkies (due to their unusual plumage) and Brahmas (due to their heavy stature) may be more prone to overheating. Monitor your flock for signs of heatstroke in chickens, and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything concerning or unusual.

Outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs

Rabbits and guinea pigs can thrive outside during the summer months, but careful attention should be given to them. Most breeds of rabbits and guinea pigs can withstand warm temperatures, with the exception of Skinny Pigs, which should never be housed outdoors. To keep your rabbits and guinea pigs comfortable outdoors during the summer, be sure to:

Provide lots of shade: Rabbit and guinea pig run covers give your pets a place out of the sun, which aids in lowering their body temperature.
Keep their water fresh: Fresh, cool water is one of the most important aspects of keeping your rabbits and guinea pigs hydrated and healthy during the warmer months. An insulated rabbit and guinea pig hutch will help keep their water at a palatable temperature.
Offer treats and ice: Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful during the summer months, and provide essential nutrients and electrolytes. Offer them in a rabbit and guinea pig treat holder to keep insects away. Freeze water bottles to place inside of their hutch and run for your bunnies and cavies to cuddle up next to, which will help cool them off on particularly warm days.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that if it’s too hot for you to be comfortable outside, it’s likely too hot for your rabbits and guinea pigs. Use your best judgement and err on the side of caution — if you’re not sure if your bunnies or cavies are comfortable outside, it may be time to bring them inside during the hottest hours of the day. Rabbit and guinea pig playpens can be used for temporary quarters indoors, or for outdoor visits when the temperatures cool down.

Indoor pets

Pets that spend the majority of their time indoors may not need much to prepare for summer, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. They’re likely to spend even more hours inside while the temperatures soar, which can lead to boredom. Try the following tips to help your indoor pets stay healthy and happy this summer.

Dogs

More time indoors often equates to boredom for dogs. To combat this potential problem, make sure to keep up with regular activities but with a modified schedule. And, with insects out in full force, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date on their prevention and vaccines. Keeping your dog safe during the summer can be accomplished through these steps:

Plan outdoor activities around the weather: Avoid taking your dog for walks or playing outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. If the weather is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Feel pavement with the back of your hand before allowing your dog to step onto it, and make sure to take plenty of cool water along for any outdoor excursions.
Grooming and prevention: Give your dog a good brushing at the beginning of the summer to help free their undercoat. Dogs with double coats like Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds shed their dense undercoats to prepare for the warmer weather, and a good brushing will help them in their endeavor. Keep your dogs current on their vaccinations and parasite prevention to keep them protected during summer travels and adventures.
Make indoors more comfortable: With more time spent inside, you’ll want to make sure that your dog has a comfortable place to relax during the heat of the day. Place their dog bed in a cool place in your home, and make sure their dog crate is well ventilated.

Keep a close eye on brachycephalic dog breeds like Boxers or French Bulldogs during the summer, as they are more prone to overheating. If you have to get out with your dog during intensely hot weather, make sure they stay shaded with plenty of water, and monitor for signs of heat stress. And, remember to never leave your dog in the car when it’s warm outside. With these tips in mind, you and your companion can enjoy the dog days of summer together.

Cats

Indoor cats may not notice the difference in temperature between the seasons, but they will notice the change in the length of the days. Cats typically sleep more during the day than at night, which may equate to more nocturnal energy and activity. They also appreciate a luxurious nap in a sunny spot on warm days, which may also trigger summertime shedding. Here’s how to support your cat throughout the summer:

Enrich their environment: A scratching post or cat tree will curb your cat’s curiosity and give them an outlet to release their pent up energy. With more indoor activities, your cat can get in touch with their wild side without the risk of overheating.
Brush it out: Like dogs, most cats will shed during the summer months to rid their coat of excess fur. With the exception of the Sphinx breed, which are hairless, both long and short-haired cats can benefit from a thorough brushing. Since cats groom themselves, removing excess fur will help cut down on hairballs and other digestive issues brought on by ingested fur.
Prevent parasites: Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, fleas and ticks can hitch a ride on your shoes or your other pets. Make sure your cat is current on their parasite prevention, and wash their cat bed regularly.

You can expect more cat naps from your feline friend during the summer. The extended daylight hours and warmer weather creates the perfect conditions for your cat to catch some extra snooze time. Your cat may also drink more this time of the year, so be sure to keep their water bowl topped off.

Omlet and your pets

Summertime is for easy living — not just for your pets, but for yourself too. As you prepare for the season ahead, choose from our insulated chicken coops or rabbit and guinea pig hutches, comfortable dog beds and entertaining cat scratchers to support your pets all summer long. No matter which pets you share a home with — furry or feathered — our products are designed to be easy on your chore load while providing your pets with exceptional protection and comfort. So sit back, relax, and let Omlet provide the makings for the best summer ever.