8 Common Summer Pet Care Myths in July: Is Shaving, Ice Water or Midday Walking Reliable?

As high temperatures hit in July, many owners try various ways to cool their pets, but easily fall into care myths that harm pet health instead. The WERVIC veterinary team has sorted out 8 common summer mistakes to help owners avoid care pitfalls.

1. Full-body shaving for cooling: Wrong. A pet’s coat provides natural heat insulation and sun protection. Shaving completely not only causes UV sunburn, but also disrupts thermoregulation and makes heatstroke more likely. The correct approach is to only trim excess hair on paw pads and belly, while keeping the main coat.
2. Feeding ice water/drinks: Wrong. Ice-cold food strongly irritates pets’ gastrointestinal tracts, causing spasms, vomiting and diarrhea, with higher risks for young and senior pets. The correct approach is to provide fresh room-temperature water, with a small amount of ice cubes if needed.
3. Walking at midday: Wrong. Ground temperature can exceed 60°C at noon, easily burning paw pads and causing heatstroke in a short time. The correct approach is to walk pets only before sunrise or after sunset, avoiding midday high temperatures.
4. Leaving pets alone in the car: Wrong. The temperature inside a closed car can soar above 50°C within 10 minutes, quickly causing heatstroke, shock and even death. Never leave a pet alone in a car at any time.
5. Frequent bathing for cooling: Wrong. Over-bathing damages the skin’s oil barrier and triggers fungal infections and eczema. The correct approach is to bathe once every 7–10 days in summer, and dry the coat thoroughly afterward.
6. Direct air-conditioning airflow: Wrong. Direct cold airflow causes respiratory discomfort and joint chill, leading to air-conditioning syndrome. Adjust airflow direction, set temperature no lower than 26°C, and ventilate regularly.
7. Feeding large amounts of raw cold meat: Wrong. Raw cold food spoils easily and breeds bacteria in high temperatures, burdening the gut and causing acute gastroenteritis. Feed at room temperature, serve wet food fresh and remove leftovers promptly.
8. Focusing only on cooling, ignoring deworming: Wrong. July is the peak parasite season. Use WERVIC Imidacloprid and Moxidectin Spot-on Solutions monthly for full internal and external parasite control, combining cooling and parasite protection.

Avoiding myths and following scientific care will help pets stay safe and comfortable throughout the hot summer.