Summer is on its way! It is my favorite season because it is packed full of fun, sun, spending time outdoors and traveling to new places to sniff. However, before you pack your suitcase and head outdoors to play be aware that summertime dangers could get you a trip to the vet if you are and your owners are not careful.
Read my Loving Summer Tips for dogs and you and your owners can enjoy this wonderful dog wagging season fully.
Here are my top safety tips for dogs this summer:
Visit the Vet– A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your dog gets tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication. Make sure your dog is protected from fleas and tick programs and anything else that is unique
Grooming– Giving your dog a lightweight summer trim helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun.
Sunscreen– Just like your owners, dogs too can become easily burned by the sun if they are outside for more than a few minutes, especially if they have light skin and a short or thin coat. Applying fragrance-free, non-staining, UVA and UVB barrier sunscreen or a special sunscreen made for dogs can help prevent dogs from being burned.
Simmering Streets– When the temperature is very high, it heats up the asphalt or sand. Don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt or hot beaches. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. A good way to check if the asphalt is too hot is to put your bare foot on the ground. If it’s too hot for you to walk, it’s probably too hot for your dog.
Cool Drinks– Provide plenty of water and shade. We dog just love and enjoy the warm weather as much as you do and may become dehydrated after extended play outside. Providing plenty of fresh water at all times. Sometimes you might have to encourage us to play in the shade or even take a break. This can help prevent the consequences of having a dehydrated dog. Be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
Splish Splash– Do not leave your dog unsupervised around a pool. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your dog to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
Chemicals– Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to dogs if ingested, so keep them out of our reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products, and insect coils out of dogs reach as well.
Not in the Car– Never leave us alone in a parked vehicle. Did you know on a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke? Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather may be illegal where you live.
BBQ’s and Fun – Thinking of a beach party or a backyard BBQ? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to a dog. Keep alcoholic beverages away from dogs, as they can cause intoxication, depression, and comas. Remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends are not a treat for us dogs. Check out my food guide of what I can’t eat. A perfect solution is to make me my own bbq patties. See recipe here
Signs to look for…
Even the healthiest of dogs can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke or sunburn if overexposed to the heat of Summer. Remember, heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of overheating in dogs include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
- If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Remember the sun is a powerful source. Keep your dog cool
- rub your dog’s tummy with cool water
- Give an ice treat to keep your dog cool
- When the temperature gets really hot, walk your dog early in the morning and in the evenings when the temperature cools down.
- A good hose cool down can do wonders for keeping your dog cool
Enjoy the Summer with my loving tips for dogs!
