Summer Care Tips for Your ESA

Summertime is fun time, but the scorching weather springs some unique summer ESA care challenges. Even though wild animals adapt well to the weather, companion animals can be as vulnerable to extreme temperatures as their owners. When the temperature rises, so does your priority for pet safety. Listed below are 8 ways you can help your emotional support animal stay safe while still enjoying all the summer activities.

1. Always make sure your pet has plenty of water near them
   and have a high fluid intake. This will help ensure they don’t become prey to dehydration, which can in turn contribute to a number of health problems. Fill your pet’s water bowl with cold water or ice cubes, as it will help them stay cool for longer.
2. Get creative with your pet’s treats. A good way is to freeze them so your dogs can enjoy them for longer and remain cool. A good tip is to freeze berries and bananas, as they are full of vitamins and minerals and are great for pets, especially dogs.
3. Use sunscreen. Like us, our emotional support animals also need protection against the harmful UV rays. Invest in a good, pet-friendly sunscreen and apply it on the areas of your pet that has the least hair every 5 to 6 hours.
4. If you have a dog as an emotional support animal, you will find they get sun burnt quite easily. A good natural remedy for skin irritations and burns is Aloe Vera, which is a great skin soother and is gentle on almost all skin types.
5. In the hot summer days, make sure you open up the windows to allow air ventilation and use shades to avoid heat from entering the house. Turn on the fans and AC and see if you can invest in a pedestal fan that you can keep near your ESA at most times.
6. Take caution against antifreeze. During summertime, antifreeze can start leaking out of your car when it overheats and form small puddles on the ground that your pet (especially dog) can easily mistake for water and swallow it. Furthermore, its sweet taste can actually be tempting for cats and dogs, but when swallowed this toxic material can potentially prove lethal. Look around and pay attention to your neighbor’s cars and any puddles that may be present on your street, and make sure your emotional support animal stays miles away from them.
7. Summertime means lots of swimming and water sports. However, be careful when allowing your pet to take a dip. Even a strong swimmer could face trouble getting out of a pool, or be caught by ropes and other similar obstacles. If you are into risky summer adventures, such as boating with your emotional support animal, make sure to get a pet life preserver.
8. Another summer care tip you need to follow is against bugs that are common in summer. Not only do these insects carry diseases, but the method you choose to ward them off can also be damaging to your ESA’s health. For instance, pesticides and fertilizers may improve a lawn’s looks, but they can be quite dangerous for your pet. Be aware of fertilizer warnings on neighbor’s yards. If you are worried about ticks, fleas, and other bugs during summertime, consult your veterinarian about the best way of dealing with this problem.  

These ESA pet care tips aren’t hard to follow. They just require some thought and attention on your part.