Summer is a great time to go out and have fun with your dog, but there are a few hazards to watch out for.
1. Give Your Dog Plenty of Water & Shade
Dogs can’t regulate heat as well as us, so it’s not as easy for them to stay cool. Prolonged heat exposure puts them at risk for developing heat stroke. Keep them inside on days when it’s really hot.
2. Use a Kiddie Pool or Sprinkler to Keep Cool
Does your dog love the water? Fill up a kiddie pool with water for your pup to cool off in. I suggest picking up a plastic one, since their nails can tear the softer ones. If you don’t have a kiddie pool, plenty of dogs enjoy playing with the hose or sprinklers.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to sand and hot asphalt – it can burn your dogs paws. In the summer try to walk your dog in the morning or evening when the pavement isn’t so hot. If you walk during the day stick to grassy or wooded areas.
4. Short Faced Dogs Are More Susceptible to Heat Stroke
If you have a short faced dog like a Bulldog or Pug remember that they don’t pant efficiently; they’re much more susceptible to heat stroke. Bulldogs are especially intolerant to heat. They should have limited access to the outdoors when the weather gets above 80 degrees.
5. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in a Hot Car
Never leave your dog inside your car in hot weather; a cracked window isn’t enough to keep a car cool. It’s also illegal in most states.
Researchers learned that when it’s a sunny 78 degrees, the temperature in a parked car with windows cracked rises at least 32 degrees in 30 minutes. So: 78 degrees to 110 in half an hour. – Don’t Think For a Minute Dogs Can Survive in a Hot Car
6. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Avoid strenuous exercise during extremely hot days & keep the sessions short. The same goes for days with high humidity. For those really hot days check out some simple activities to keep your dog busy indoors.
7. Watch Out For Doggie Sunburn
Dogs can get sunburn – especially light colored dogs with short fur. There are sun protection lotions specifically formulated for dogs. Don’t use human sunscreen on your pet; many of the chemicals are toxic to them.
8. Make Sure Your Pet is Protected from Pests
Ticks and mosquitoes are at their peak in the summer.
9. Watch Your Dog Around Treated Lawns
Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated with fertilizer for at least 24 hours. Many of the chemicals used in lawn treatments are toxic to pets.
10. Don’t Let Dogs Drink From Oceans, Lakes or Pools
Don’t let your dog drink seawater; it causes dehydration and vomiting. If a dog ingests enough it can be fatal. Bring fresh water for your dog when you’re going out to the beach.
11. Shaving Your Dog Might Not Keep Him Cool
Do not shave your dog because he’s panting. If you have a double coated breed their fur is actually providing relief from the heat, and shaving it will make it worse.
12.Make Sure Your Dog is Wearing Identification
We spend a lot of time outdoors with our dogs in the summer, and that increases the risk of them running off or getting lost. Make sure your dog has a collar with your phone number on it, and it’s a good idea to have your dog microchipped in case their collar comes off.
