Canine Summer Safety Tips

Although the weather is beautiful and summertime activities are tempting, it’s important to remember that dogs need special attention during the hotter months. Without the proper precautions, your furry friend can easily become overheated or dehydrated. Here are some tips for keeping your dogs safe in the summer.

Avoid Hot Pavement

Hot pavement is one of the most common dangers for dogs in the summer. The pavement can get incredibly hot, even if it doesn’t feel hot to you. This can cause severe burns on your dog’s paws. To avoid this, try to walk your dog on the grass as much as possible. If you must walk on the pavement, do so during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car

Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. It can be tempting to bring your dog along for errands and leave it in the car while you run into the store, but this is extremely dangerous. Cars heat up quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that hot outside. If you must bring your dog with you, ensure they are in a well-ventilated area, or better yet, leave them home.

Keep an Eye on Their Energy Level

If they seem sluggish or uninterested in playing, it may be a sign that they’re too hot and need to cool down. Ensure to provide plenty of shade and water for your dog when they’re outside.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re getting enough water. If you’re going for a walk or hike, bring along a portable water bowl and offer your dog frequent breaks to drink. You can also add some ice cubes to their water bowl at home to help keep them cool.

Avoid Strenuous Exercises

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion if they overdo it in the summer heat. Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day and stick to cooler early mornings or evenings. If your dog does seem overheated, give them a cool bath or bring them inside to a cool, air-conditioned space.

Be Aware of Heatstroke Signs

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can occur when dogs are overexposed to heat. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, increased body temperature, difficulty walking, vomiting, and collapse. If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, move it to a cool area immediately and call your veterinarian. Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and take action right away.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

All canines are susceptible to sunburn, especially those with short fur or light-colored coats. You can buy pet-safe sunscreen at most pet stores or online. Apply it to exposed areas like the nose, ears, and stomach. Reapply as needed, especially if your dog is swimming or taking a bath. Avoid using human sunscreen as it can be toxic if ingested.

Give Them a Cool Place To Rest

Dogs need a cool and shaded place to rest when it’s hot outside. If you don’t have air conditioning, make certain they have access to a room with a fan or open windows. Provide them with lots of fresh water and check on them often to confirm they’re not over-heating.

Summertime means fun in the sun with family and friends, but always remember that hot weather can be dangerous for our furry friends too. Keep these canine summer safety tips in mind to help keep your dog safe and happy all summer long.