With summer heating up, it’s important to take special care to make sure your pup is safe and happy while enjoying adventures outdoors. They sometimes need a little help from you, so we made a guide of things you can watch out for to keep your pup comfortable this summer.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks can thrive in the warmer weather. Make sure your dog is protected by finding flea and tick prevention. There are a variety of options from topical treatments to flea collars. Check out this list to determine which flea and tick prevention will be best for your pup.
Preventing Heatstroke
Dogs can suffer from heatstroke too, so be sure to know the signs to recognize if your furry pal might be getting too warm. Try to prevent heatstroke by providing shade and cool water and avoiding walks during the hottest parts of the day. Early signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, and a loss of balance.
If your pup begins to show these signs, try to cool them down by spraying them with cool water and fanning cool air on them. If you can’t get your pup to cool down or symptoms continue or worsen, go to the vet right away. It is also important to note that short-nosed dogs including bulldogs and pugs are more susceptible to heat stroke.
Keep Your Pups Paws Safe
Before going outside, check the temperature of the ground with the back of your hand for seven seconds. If you can’t keep your hand there for the full time, then it is too hot for your pups paws. If you need to go outside on really hot days, we recommend finding boots to protect your dog's paws.
Drinking Plenty of Water
During the hot summer months, it is crucial that your pup is staying hydrated. Make sure to always have a cool supply of water for times when your pup is outside. Our pups love it when we put an ice cube in their water bowl.
Apply Sunscreen
During the hot summer months, both pups and people are more susceptible to sunburns which can lead to skin cancer. Dogs with light skin or white fur are more likely to get burnt in the summer. It is critical that you use a dog-specific sunscreen as some human sunscreen contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Check out this list of dog sunscreen options for more information.
Beach/Water Tips
Before heading to the beach or pool, test out the waters and make sure your pup enjoys the sand and swimming. While on the beach, you may want to let your pup run loose and chase birds on the sand, however using a long leash is recommended to keep your pup safe and out of trouble. If your pup does enjoy swimming, make sure to always keep an eye on them and take the necessary safety precautions. At the beach, be cautious of strong currents and don’t let them drink the sea water. For more information on dog water safety, check out these tips.
Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy life with your pup. By taking necessary precautions you can make sure you and your pup can spend the whole summer out soaking up some sun and going on adventures.
