Summer is here and it started with a burst of warm sunny bright blue skies, I absolutely love it. With the warm beautiful weather, I get to spend more time in my garden, do a little more travelling and sniff out great places to explore.
However before you pack your suitcase and head outdoors with your best furry mate it’s important to keep your dog’s health in mind and to make sure that they keep cool and safe from summer time dangers. If not you could end up taking a trip to the vet if you’re not careful.
We all want to enjoy a cool and safe summer season and with good common sense, you and your dog can have a wonderful time enjoying the season together.
Here are my top Summer tips for Dogs
1.Visit the Vet– A visit to the vet in early summer is a must and a perfect time to schedule the annual check-up. Make sure your dog get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication and protected from fleas and tick.
2.Watch the sun rise and set– Well you don’t have to get up that early or stay up that late, but early and late walks are best in the summer time heat. Since these are the coolest parts of the day, your walks will be more comfortable for both you and your dog.
3.Keep paws cool -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 the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. 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.
4.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.
5.Help your dog stay cool– If you have outdoor space find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool. Lay down a cool wet towel for your dog to lie on. We keep two old towels in the freezer and pop them outdoors in the morning. Or simply set up a fan in front of a pan of ice feels really nice too.
6.Pool time– 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.
7.Hydration -We dogs just love the warm weather as much as you do and may become dehydrated after extended play outside. Providing plenty of fresh water at all times. Carry a bottle of water when out with your dog. Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, if your dog is overweight they’re at higher risk for dehydration. Why not make a pup-frozen treat to help them stay cool, also a few ice cubes in the water bowl are always fun to crunch.
8.Spray Bottle Fun– A refreshing spray of cool water on our paws and tummy can really help us cool down.
9.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.
10.Make sure you have pet insurance-Knowing how to keep your pet safe is a duty that all pet owners are happy to do, we all want to insure that our pooch is well protected and safe. But sometimes it can be out of our control and accidents can happen. Pet insurance is there not only to protect your dog during the summer months, but an investment for the life of your dog.
Signs to look for…
Even the healthiest of dogs can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke or sunburn if overexposed to 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 dogs tummy with cool water
Give an ice treat to keep your dog cool
When the temperature gets real hot, walk you 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
