Living in Southern California means enjoying mild, pleasant weather year-round. While extreme summertime heat is less of a concern here than in other regions, longer days, disrupted schedules, travel, and other activities mean your pet care responsibilities may change. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team provides essential summer pet care tips to ensure a safe, healthy, happy summer for your furry pal.

1: Keep pets hydrated

Hydration is crucial for all pets, regardless of climate or season. Ensure your furry pal always has access to fresh, clean water indoors and outdoors. Consider using a pet water fountain that keeps water clean and cool to encourage pets to drink more. Remember to always bring a water bottle and collapsible bowl on walks and outings to keep your pet hydrated.

2: Provide pets with effective flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Our mild weather is ideal for year-round flea, tick, and mosquito activity that threatens your pet’s health. Ask our team to recommend safe and effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventives that suit your pet’s needs and lifestyle. Check your pet for ticks after walks or outdoor time and remove these pests promptly. 

3: Stay safe on the beach or at the pool with pets

No matter how well your pet swims, always supervise them closely around water, especially on the beach when strong currents could put them in danger. Consider outfitting your pet with a lifejacket and longline to assist them if they get into trouble. After swimming, rinse your pet thoroughly to remove salt, sand, or chlorine, which can irritate their skin, and thoroughly clean and dry their ears.

4: Monitor pets for allergies

Seasonal allergies are a common problem for pets and often flare during the spring, summer, and fall. Signs that your pet has allergies include itching, red skin, irritated eyes, and ear infections. If your pet exhibits allergy signs, contact our team to formulate a multimodal treatment plan, which may include antihistamines, topicals, or prescription medications.

5: Travel safely and comfortably with pets

Traveling with pets requires additional planning and packing to ensure their safety and comfort. Secure your pet in a crate, car seat, or seat belt in the car, which keeps them safe and helps prevent you from becoming distracted. Pack a travel kit with food, bowls, medications, toys, bedding, comfort items, and a first-aid kit. Allow extra time for frequent breaks to allow your pet to eliminate, drink water, and stretch on long trips.

6: Avoid exposing pets to hot surfaces

Sidewalks, pavements, metals, and leather car seats can heat up quickly in direct sunlight. Walk your dog on grass or outfit them in protective booties during peak sun hours, and always check surfaces or cool the car before letting pets jump in. Remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.

7: Maintain pet grooming and coat care

Regular grooming is essential year-round, but seasonal changes may trigger heavy shedding in some breeds. Brushing, bathing, and routine haircuts help remove loose fur and dirt that can cause matting and reduce the coat’s natural protective properties. A short summer cut is appropriate for many long-haired pets but can damage some pets’ coats. Consult a professional groomer to determine the best haircut option for your pet.

8: Take precautions during outdoor activities with pets

Southern California offers plenty of outdoor activities, which pose inherent risks. Prevent your pet from becoming overexerted and bring water to keep them cool whenever you leave the house. Staying on paved, gravel, or mowed trails and keeping pets on a leash can reduce their exposure to parasites, foxtails, rough terrain, and rattlesnakes, each of which can endanger your furry pal’s health.

9: Prepare pets for playtime and socialization

Long summer days provide extra time for socialization and playing with other dogs at the park or beach. Always supervise your pet’s interactions with other pets and only take your dog to off-leash play areas if you can control them with voice commands. Social dogs may require additional vaccinations and parasite control to reduce infectious disease spread.

10: Monitor pets closely for heat stress

Heat-related illnesses are possible in any climate, especially for dogs with medical conditions, short noses, or excess weight. Always monitor pets, limit outdoor time on hot days, and seek veterinary care if you have concerns about your pet’s behavior or health.

This summer, keep pets happy and healthy by following our Santa Monica Veterinary Group team’s essential pet care tips. Contact us to schedule a visit if your pet needs a pre-summer checkup, vaccine boosters, or an updated parasite control plan, or if you have any concerns about their health.