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Keeping Cool: Protecting Your Cat from the Summer Heat

As summer temperatures rise, it’s vital to ensure the well-being of our feline friends. Cats are highly sensitive to heat, and without proper care, they can suffer from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. In this article, we’ll divulge six tips to help you keep your cat cool and comfortable during the scorching summer months.

1. Create a Cool Environment for Your Cat

Provide your cat with a cool and comfortable living space. Ensure ample shade and good air circulation in the areas where your cat spends time — especially if they venture outdoors. Inside, keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight. Consider using fans or air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature indoors even when you aren’t home. Temperatures 80 degrees and above can cause heat exhaustion and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, provide access to fresh water at all times. Encourage them to drink by placing multiple water bowls around the house. Your kitty may enjoy ice cubes in their water bowl to help keep it cool or a pet fountain to keep water circulating.

2. Regular Grooming Helps Keep Cats Cool

Regular grooming plays a crucial role in helping cats regulate their body temperature. Brushing your cat’s fur helps to remove excess hair and promotes air circulation, keeping them cool. However, be cautious if you choose to take grooming beyond brushing and shave your cat. Shaving their fur too short increases their risk of sunburn.

3. Avoid Hot Surfaces and Overexertion

If your cat plays outdoors, be aware surfaces like asphalt and concrete can become extremely hot during summer days, causing burns to your cat’s sensitive paw pads. Opt for shaded or grassy areas when taking your cat outside, and avoid walking during the hottest times of the day.

4. Provide Indoor Entertainment for Your Cat

To avoid exposing your cat to excessive heat, create an engaging indoor environment that stimulates them mentally. Offer interactive toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Indoor activities help keep your cat entertained while minimizing its exposure to heat and potential outdoor hazards.

5. Wellness Care for Your Cat in Summer

Maintaining your cat’s health through regular veterinary care is crucial, particularly during the summer. Ensuring they are current on vaccines and receive regular flea and tick prevention can help your cat stay healthy. Proper blood circulation is necessary to maintain a cool body temperature. Fleas and ticks remove much-needed blood from your pet’s body, which can cause issues as they try to regulate their temperature. Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) offers low-cost vaccinations and flea/tick control during our walk-in vaccine hours. Flea and tick preventions start as low as $12 for a one-month dose.

6. Affordable Spay/Neuter Services

Summer is a time when area shelters receive an influx of cat litters. Female cats go into heat every month, and accidental litters lead to more pets filling our city shelters. TCAP’s affordable spay/neuter services offer a solution to prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce the stray cat population. Sterilizations for owned cats start at just $35. By taking advantage of these services, you not only help prevent the challenges associated with unwanted litters but also contribute to the overall well-being of cats in your community.

Protecting Your Cat in the Summer Heat

With the scorching summer heat posing risks to our feline companions, it’s vital to take proactive measures to keep them cool and protected. Creating a cool environment, practicing regular grooming and hydration, avoiding hot surfaces, and providing indoor entertainment are all essential in safeguarding your cat’s well-being during the summer. Additionally, routine preventative care provided by TCAP plays a vital role in maintaining your cat’s health during this season, and their affordable spay/neuter services address the issue of unwanted litters.

3 Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Summertime, while fun, can pose various health risks to your dogs. From the scorching heat to the increased prevalence of certain diseases, it’s crucial to ensure your furry friend’s safety. This involves vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea/tick prevention. Let’s delve into these three essential summer safety tips for your dog.

1. Ensure Comprehensive Vaccination with TCAP's Affordable Services

Summer months often see a rise in diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, rabies, canine influenza, and kennel cough due to increased activity and exposure at places like dog parks, groomers, and boarding facilities. Vaccinating your dog not only shields them but also contributes to community health by preventing disease transmission. At TCAP, our experienced vets guide you through the vaccination process, ensuring your dog gets the necessary protection.

2. Guard Against Heartworms

Heartworm disease, a serious condition caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites, can be fatal for dogs. These worms can severely damage your dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The risk increases during summer due to heightened mosquito activity and more frequent outdoor excursions. Regular use of preventive medications like Tri-Heart Plus or Trifexis is crucial to keep your dog safe from this silent threat.

3. Stop the Itch: Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are more than just an annoyance – they can cause significant health issues. Fleas can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritations, and diseases like Bartonella. Ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Flea and tick preventions, available in various forms like topical treatments and oral medications, can protect your dog from these parasites’ discomfort and potential health risks.

Securing Your Dog's Summer Health

By taking these summer safety tips for dogs to heart, you’re not just ensuring a fun-filled season for your furry friend, but also a healthy one. Regular vaccinations, consistent heartworm prevention, and diligent flea and tick protection are all crucial elements of your dog’s summer health regimen. Remember, the best care is preventive care. By being proactive, you’re providing your dog with a lifetime of happiness and good health, no matter the season. Don’t let the potential risks of summer overshadow the joy this season can bring to your dog. Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe.