Summer is here, and for most of us pet owners, that means time to go out and explore the wonderful outdoors!
Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic doesn’t mean that our dogs have to stay cooped up in the house, right?
Summer also brings on many safety risks for our little fury friends that you need to take great consideration.
We’ve polled pet owners from all over the country and came to the conclusion that these are the TOP 5 Summer Safety Tips Every Dog Owner Must Know!
This article will cover all those tips and more to make sure you and your pooch have the best summer you can have while staying safe!
1.Never ever, EVER leave your dog in a hot car unattended!
I’m sure we have all heard this one before, but it is so important to stress again and again. Dogs can not be left in a hot car!
They will get dehydrated and overheated and will ultimately pass away from heatstroke!
Most people don’t realize that it can take only a few MINUTES for heatstroke to take effect!
Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked cars. On a 78 degree day, for instance, temperatures in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and top 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun!
Your best bet is to leave your dog home on warm days. If you’re driving around with your dog in the car, bring water and a water dish and take your dog with you when you leave the car.
2. Make sure to keep your dogs paws cool
It’s extremely important to make sure your dog is cool and comfortable. You have many different tricks at your disposal. One that is very practical is making sure their paws are kept cool!
When walking around outside many surfaces get heated rather quickly. Avoid asphalt and concrete surfaces when it’s extremely sunny. One way to keep their paws cool is to stay on the grass!
3. Make sure to have plenty of water
Another simple and practical way to keep your dog cool in the summer is to always carry a water dish with you wherever you go.
Just like humans, dogs need to constantly hydrate themselves in order to stay safe especially if you are out walking or even driving in the car.
Hydration is extremely important.
4. Give them their own “kiddie pool” to play in
Another great hack for keeping your dog cool and safe this summer is to set up a little kiddie pool for them
This is so important to keeping your dog cool they even make special pools for dogs!
Keeping dogs and other pets comfortable can be very beneficial to them. Plus it can be very entertaining to watch sparky play around in a pool!
However, just because dogs instinctively know how to swim, doesn’t mean they’re good swimmers. And if your dog jumps in your swimming pool, he might not be able to get out without help and could easily drown.
Make sure your dog can’t get into your swimming pool without you around.
5. Dogs get sunburn too!
Many people don’t know this or even think about the fact that dogs can get sunburn.
You would think that since they are covered in fur, it wouldn’t affect them as much right?
Wrong! Dogs with thin fur are more likely to get burned. This can lead to skin cancer.
Speak with your veterinarian and find out the best solution to help with a sunburn.
Natural ointments such as aloe vera are the best.
To end off
This can be a great summer for you and your dog. Keeping safe is the most important
We hope all these tips came in handy and of course if you ever need emergency help call your local EMS!
Looking For More Tips To Keep You And Your Pup Safe This Summer?
Download our ultimate summer safety guide