Summer Dog Care Tips

It is officially SUMMER! The summer is a great time of the year; we have the pool, cookouts, vacations, outdoor workouts, and so much more! But with the summer also comes the heat and the need to take precautions with our furry friends. Below are some tips to help keep dogs safe during the summertime:

• NEVER leave your dog in the car, not even for a second. Temperatures and humidity can be extremely high in the summer; leaving your dog in the car, even with the windows cracked, can cause them to become dehydrated.

• Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water. Even when you are out at the park, or on an errand, have a bottle of water and a bowl on hand.

• Make sure your dog has the opportunity to sit in the shade when outside.

• Take walks during the cooler times of the day to avoid the hottest times; for example, the best times would be mornings or later evenings.

• When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces because it can burn your dog’s paws. Imagine walking barefoot on hot asphalt!

• Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats. Dogs with darker coats absorb heat more than dogs with lighter coats.

• Watch for signs of dehydration. Dogs cannot sweat; they cool off by panting. An overheated dog can show several different signs, but not all dehydrated dogs show noticeable signs. But you can look for excessive drooling, hard panting, red eyes, and extreme lethargy. If your dog has a thin coat, consult your veterinarian whether your dog would benefit from sunscreen.

• Protect your dog from parasites. Consult with your veterinarian about what protection to use for your dog.

• Take your dog for a swim, but keep a close eye on them. Don’t assume your dog can swim even if it is their natural instinct. Even a strong swimmer may have trouble getting out of the pool, may get stuck on the ropes, or become exhausted.

Let’s do what we can to keep our dogs safe this summer. Imagine if you had to wear a full-length fur coat all summer long. It may not be the most comfortable, but these tips can help make summer with your dogs a more enjoyable experience! Let the summer fun begin!