Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry best friend. However, it’s important to take care of your dog during this season, as heat can be very harmful to their health. Here are some great summer tips to keep your pup happy and healthy.
- Stay Hydrated: Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh, clean water. Carry a portable water bottle or a collapsible bowl when you go for walks or hikes.
- Keep Them Cool: Dogs can easily overheat in the summer. Make sure they have access to shaded areas, and consider getting them a cooling mat or vest to help regulate their body temperature.
- Limit Exercise in Extreme Heat: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler.
- Protect their Paws: Hot pavement or sand can burn your dog’s paws. If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog. Consider getting them booties or walking them on the grass. If it’s 77 degrees outside the pavement is 125 degrees and if it’s 86 degrees outside, the pavement is 135 degrees.
- Prevent Sunburn: Dogs with short hair or light colored coats are more susceptible to sunburn. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to their ears, nose and any other exposed areas.
- Don’t Leave Them in the Car: Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly become dangerously hot, which can be fatal to dogs.
- Watch Out for Bugs: Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are more prevalent in the summer. Protect your dog with a flea and tick prevention and consider using a pet-safe bug repellent.
- Provide Plenty of Shade: Dogs need a shady spot to rest during the day. Consider setting up a canopy or providing a dog house with ample shade.
- Don’t Overfeed Them: Dogs can gain weight during the summer, just like humans. Avoid overfeeding them and stick to a healthy diet.
- Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Summer is a time when dogs are more likely to come in contact with other animals, especially if you’re planning a vacation and have to board your pup. The boarding facility will require up-to-date records on vaccinations such as rabies, bordetella (kennel cough) and distemper (a viral contagious disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system).
By following these simple tips, you can help your dog enjoy a safe and fun summer. Remember, your fury best friend relies on you to keep them healthy and happy.
