It’s getting warmer outside, which means your dog is going to have a harder time staying hydrated and keeping cool. To ensure the health and safety of your furry friend, it’s important to take proper summer safety precautions. This means providing your dog with plenty of water and shade. It’s also important to be aware of the signs of dehydration. Read on for even more dog safety tips that every pet owner in Georgia should follow this summer:
- Walk them when it’s cooler outside: If you’re in an area where it gets extremely hot during the summer, consider scheduling dog walks early in the morning or later in the evening. This will help prevent you or your pet from experiencing extreme temperatures and risking dehydration. Even when walking during the cooler hours of the day, it’s still important to bring plenty of water.
- Invest in good dog shoes: Good dog shoes will help prevent your dog’s paws from getting burned by hot pavement. It’s easy to find these products, but you need to do your research. Don’t buy dog shoes that are poorly made, as they will wear down quickly. Popular dog shoes currently on the market include Pawz Rubber Dog Boots, Muttluks, QUMY Boots and more.
- Keep them hydrated: Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of water. This is especially true if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. They will get much thirstier when it’s hot outside, so you’ll want to check their water bowl more frequently than usual. If the water has been sitting a while, exchange it for fresh water.
- Use sunscreen: Dogs can get sunburns like humans. These sunburns are painful and can result in blisters. Proper summer dog care in Georgia involves applying sunscreen to sensitive areas. Most of the time, sunburns on dogs occur on their noses and ears. Purchase a sunscreen that’s safe to use on pets, and apply every few hours. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about what types of sunscreen to use.
- Give them a lot of shade: You don’t want your dog sitting in direct sunlight all day. When outside, be sure your dog has plenty of shade options. Consider adding some umbrellas to your porch or even having an awning installed.
- Know the signs of dehydration: Dehydration is a definite possibility during the summer months. Knowing when it’s time to take your dog to the emergency vet is extremely important. Common signs of dehydration in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, heavy panting, red gums and more. If they are showing any of these signs, or are acting strangely in any way, bring them inside. You’ll probably also want to call your vet and see what they recommend.
Taking proper care of your dog during the Georgia summer is easy. Follow all the summer tips for dogs mentioned above and your pet is sure to have a fun and safe season.
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