Imagine a nice relaxing day at the beach, or a fun time with kids in the sprinkler. Think about a beautiful nature hike reveling in the good ol’ outdoors with camping and s’mores. Picnics with all your favorite foods. Fireworks exploding colors in the beautiful night sky. Delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables. Envision whatever summer means to you.
Work Hard, Play Harder
Thinking of the big picture - how relaxing is summer? How often do you feel exhausted spending all day in the sun? Do you need a vacation after your vacation? There are many stressors that come with the idea of summer fun, that affect the whole family. Some common stressors that come with summer include heat, dehydration, traveling, family, activities, boredom, weather, changes in routine, crying kids asking, “Are we there yet?!,” etc.
Summer Stressors for You and Your Pets
Animals are particularly sensitive to stress caused by heat (especially brachycephalic/”smooshed nose” breeds of dogs and cats), weather (ie. thunderstorms, drought, typhoons), uncommon foods, fireworks, unsafe water, traveling, and changes in routine. Let's share some tips to help keep you and your fur babies as comfortable as possible during the summer months:
1. Stay Hydrated
As temperatures are up, when your pets are outside for any length of time, they should have access to plenty of clean water and shade.
2. Tune Out Disturbing Experiences
As beautiful and breathtaking as they are, fireworks can be traumatic for animals and people. We have a solution for that! Regularly using the Rezzimax Tuner will ensure a calm and balanced nervous system, preparing it for the big show. As the fireworks are going off, turn on the white algorithm and place the Tuner next to yourself and/or your dog - the peaceful vibrations will help to keep you and your pet calm until the skies are silent again.
3. Keep Them Out of the Car
This is common sense and should go without saying, but do not leave your pets or people in a hot car, as temperatures will increase astronomically very quickly. Leave them at home, find a sitter or take them with you when you leave your vehicle, but never leave them alone - even for a few short minutes.
4. Gear Up for Outdoor Excursions
Be aware of pavement temperatures if you want to take your dog on a walk, if you can’t hold the back of your hand to the pavement for 5 seconds, then your pet must either wear booties, or stay off of any pavement on your walk. This will avoid burning their paw pads.
You may not know it, but like you, many animals need pet-safe sunscreen when they are outside, K9 Top Coat makes an SPF-blocking, cooling, body-suit for dogs. They also offer body suits to help manage anxiety, to keep dogs clean when taking them for a day at the beach, provide protection against ticks and burrs, and more! To learn more, these can be found at https://k9topcoat.com/.
5. Use Your Garden Hose with Caution
Growing up, we spent almost all of our summer days outside playing. Mom didn't want us coming inside every ten minutes, so that meant that we resorted to the trusty old garden hose to keep us hydrated. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for the water in a hose to reach scalding temperatures if its sitting in direct sunlight. Before you use the hose to get a drink for you or your pet, or spraying it around to cool off, make sure to let it run for a bit until you feel that crisp, cool water flowing through it.
6. Keep Your Stress In Check
When we think of stressful situations, we usually associate it with negative experiences. In reality, stress can happen just as easily from positive or exciting events. Having to plan, pack, prep, manage kids (if you have them) - either for bringing them with or getting a babysitter and everything that comes with those - but what about your pets? Are you taking your horse to a rodeo or trail riding? Need to check the horse trailer, bring all the grooming supplies, has the farrier been there? Are you bringing your dog or cat on the plane that needs paperwork or on a road trip – and all the necessary supplies? Did you find a pet safe hotel? If they are not coming with you, are you boarding them or getting a pet sitter? Will they be in-home or just coming to check on them? Do they need vaccines or titer tests for boarding? Are they good around other people or pets?
There are so many things to consider when traveling that it can become very overwhelming, for you, your family, and your pets. Try the Whole Body De-Stress Rezzipe for you and your pet to give your body a minute to breathe and reset, helping to clear your mind so you can remember all of the important things without overdoing it. This will help you be able to have a much more relaxing and enjoyable trip.
No matter your stressor, take a moment to breathe and relax. Be mindful of the weather and keep pets and kids out of things they shouldn’t be in. Enjoy nature from the outdoors or behind the window in the A/C. But most of all, use the Tuner to melt away your stress and help keep your mind on track to make this summer the best one yet!