Summer Pet Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats
- Steve San Miguel Zamorano
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
How to Keep Pets Calm, Cool & Safe During Virginia’s Hottest Months
By Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® LLC (PS4C) | Fear Free Certified® | Arlington, VA
Summer in Arlington, VA brings fireworks, humidity, and high temperatures. Whether you're traveling or staying local, these expert-approved tips will help protect your pet from seasonal stressors.
Fireworks & Loud Noise: Helping Noise-Sensitive Pets Stay Calm
Some pets become anxious during fireworks or sudden booms. These strategies can help:
Take walks before sunset to avoid noise triggers
Play calming music or white noise during peak fireworks hours
Offer enrichment items like frozen treats or puzzle feeders
Designate a quiet area with comfortable bedding and minimal light
Talk to your veterinarian about temporary anxiety relief options
Fear Free Tip: Use firework recordings in training sessions to build positive associations with noise.
Hot Weather & Pavement Safety for Pets
Summer heat can be dangerous for pets, especially during outdoor activities:
Walk during cooler parts of the day—morning or late evening
Provide access to shade and clean drinking water
Test pavement temperature with your hand (5-second rule)
Consider cooling mats or raised beds to prevent overheating
Breeds with flat faces, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more susceptible to heat stress—avoid midday activity entirely.
Emergency Prep for Storms & Power Outages
Unstable summer weather and heat-related outages can create unsafe conditions at home. Prepare with:
Frozen water bottles placed in your pet’s crate or carrier
Draw blackout curtains to block excess heat and sunlight
Use portable fans or cooling towels to regulate temperature
Confirm emergency contacts are updated in your client portal
Pet Emergency Kit: Essentials to Have Ready
Every pet household should have a grab-and-go kit for summer storms, outages, or last-minute changes in plans.
Include:
ID tags and secure collar
Printed photo of you and your pet (for ID purposes)
Medications and veterinary records
Leash, harness, collapsible water bowl
2–3 days of food and water, plus a comfort item
Booking Summer Pet Care? Reserve Visits Early
If you're planning travel or schedule changes, be sure to reserve visits in advance through your Time To Pet portal. Let us know if your pet has:
Thunderstorm or firework anxiety
A new medication or feeding routine
Special needs related to weather or enrichment
Early notice ensures customized, consistent care during your time away.
New to Arlington or Searching for a Trusted Pet Sitter?
Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® has been providing Fear Free Certified® pet care in Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn since 2016. We're known for:
Enrichment-based dog walking
Senior and shy cat care
Medical and medication support
Tailored vacation visits
Your Pet’s Comfort Is Our Priority
Thank you for trusting us with your furry family. From summer prep to everyday care, we’re here to support your pet’s well-being every step of the way.
— Steve, Hong & The PS4C Team
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