Summer is on its way and with it comes many great opportunities to enjoy the sunshine with your dog. But before you go outdoors, you should take a little time to prepare for the numerous dangerous situations summer can entail. When the weather is nice, it’s very tempting to take our furry friends with us in the car so they can enjoy the nice weather with us while we run errands or travel, but you should never leave your pet in your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a short time. In a matter of minutes, temperatures can easily reach 120 degrees in a parked car, and dogs left inside can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death just as fast. While it’s best to leave your dog at home, if you must travel in the car with your dog, you should always provide fresh, cool water and be sure to secure your pet in a dog crate, car harness, or car seat.
Dogs need exercise regardless of the weather but when it’s hot you should take extra care of your pet and exercise only in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Remember- asphalt gets very hot in the summer and can burn your dog’s paws, so try to limit the amount of time spent walking on asphalt. Make sure your dog always has plenty of shade and access to fresh water at all times. Older, overweight, and snub-nosed dogs should be kept indoors in air-conditioned rooms. If you don’t have air-conditioning, a room fan will always work. For your long-haired or thick furred pooches, a hair cut can help alleviate some of the heat, but make sure to always leave their fur at least an inch thick to provide some protection from the sun.
A day at the beach may sound like a fun time for you and your dog, but keep in mind that you need to provide fresh, cool water and shade from the sun at all times. You can set up a beach umbrella or canopy, or even invest in a dog cabana. Make sure you always hose down your salty dog if they go for a swim in the ocean. You should always avoid taking your dog to crowded summer events like Fourth of July parties. The loud noises and crowds of people can cause a lot of unnecessary and unwanted stress for your dog. Taking your dog to barbecues or parties also opens up opportunities for your dog to get into poisonous items such as lighter fluid or insect coils.
Hopefully these tips for summer dog care will help ensure that you and your dog have a safe and fun summer together! If you have any questions regarding these tips or you need advice on summer car for your dig you should contact your local veterinarian.
More here: Dog Care Tips for Summer Weather
