Summer Tips for New Pet Parents + Petsmart Coupons 2015

Summertime is Finally Here!

For some, summer is all about the food – berry pies, watermelon and ice cream. For others, summer is pool parties and park visits. And for most, summertime is travel time, where we pack our bags and take off for an adventure! But by now you have probably asked yourself, “What does summer mean to me now that I’m a pet parent?” Yes, you love that cute, fluffy, little furry guy who just peed on your rug, but having a new puppy or kitten means that summer travel isn’t going to be quite the same this year.

As a first time pet parent, we’re about to show you a whole new meaning to summertime – one filled with wonder, laughter and fun. Trips to the pool or park, and bigger adventures by car, truck or SUV, can take both of you to places you’ve never been before. But before you grab your Pet Passport and hit the road, we have some tips to keep you and your pet safe no matter what adventure you take.

Puppy + Pool = Perfect Summer Day

Many puppies love the pool and are naturally curious about the ‘ocean of water’ in front of them. But the backyard swimming pool can pose risks without taking the right precautions.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe:

1. Help make your puppy’s first pool experiences positive. Take things slow - rushing them could create a negative association with the pool, particularly if they are a little apprehensive about dipping their paws in for the first time.
2. Be by their side as they get used to the water. You’ll be able to see their growth as they go from cautious to confident in their ‘doggy paddle.’
3. Teach your puppy how to get in and out of the pool. Many first time pet parents don’t think about this, but not knowing how to get out of the pool can cause a puppy to get tired, disoriented and panic. Take your little guy to the steps and shallow area of the pool and show them multiple times how to enter and exit the pool.
4. Don’t leave them unsupervised. If you do have to step away for a moment once they become frequent swimmers, try a pet life vest – it can give your puppy the added protection they need. Just make sure it fits correctly!
5. If your puppy becomes an avid swimmer, keep in mind ear care (especially for breeds more prone to ear infections). It’s important to dry your dog’s ears after they have been swimming. Visit a PetSmart Grooming Salon for regular checkups and help keeping those ears clean and infection-free.

Now that your puppy is protected in the water, let’s talk swimwear. We have a variety of fun, fashionable gear for pets! We’re fans of the Martha Stewart Pets^® Swim Tank – it’s stylish and a steal at just $13.99. And once your pet gets their confidence in the water, they’ll love to chase down the Chuckit!^® Paraflight Dog Toy – a perfect plaything on land and in the water.

The Heat is On!

Summertime means hot weather, and puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to the rising temps. Here are some things to remember:

1. Bring fresh water! For new pet owners, make sure you have plenty of clean drinking water on hand to keep your purring pet hydrated. Make sure your kitty or puppy stays away from not-so safe water sources like puddles, pools or even a leftover glass of water on the table. For puppies, a great way to keep cool is to add ice cubes to their water. They’ll have a blast licking away at the frozen treats.
2. Find shelter. When outdoors, make sure to find plenty of shade to play under. Sometimes, we understand it’s just too hot to be outside, but your new puppy has plenty othe Top Paw® Hard Sole Outdoor Dog Bootie Setf pent up energy. Take them to a PetSmart Doggie Day Camp. They’ll love being indoors with the air conditioning on full blast, expending excess energy as they socialize with other dogs (and an added benefit: your puppy might be more focused and easy to train after getting out all that extra energy).
3. Find fashionable and functional clothing. Those poor puppy paws can easily burn on hot pavement. As a solution, we recommend the Top Paw^® Hard Sole Outdoor Dog Bootie Set.

Hitting the Road

Puppies and kittens can thrive on the road – with a little bit of preparation. Just like the pool, the car can be either a thrilling or frightening new place. Be sure to make their first car experience a positive one. Here’s a few ways to make that happen:

Cars get hot very quickly. Never leave your little guy in the car on a warm day, even for a quick trip into a convenience store.

Keep your puppy safe with car specific products like Top Paw^® Pet Safety Harness or Top Paws^® Seat Belt Strap.

And for kittens, carriers are the best way to go. Whisker City^® Soft Sided Carrier and Petmate^® Compass Fashion Pet Carrier keeps your kitty safe without sacrificing fashion.

If your trip is long, factor in potty breaks. And don’t forget to bring lots of water to keep your puppy or kitten hydrated. When you do make pit stops, make sure to keep safety in mind as new environments can be distracting to a curious puppy. Your pet should have their collar on with an ID tag, and have a leash on hand. Teaching your puppy a recall command to ensure they come when called is also a great idea. Learn more with our PetSmart Training classes.

For more information, check out our car safety video.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer!

We think it’s pretty clear that if you’re prepared, summer with your new furry family member can be a lot of fun. But if you aren’t able to bring your newest addition along on vacation, book an overnight stay at the PetSmart PetsHotel.

Get a Petsmart grooming coupon 10 off, Petsmart Coupons August 2015 and save money! The latest PetSmart coupons at here

Hope you (and your pet) have a great summer!