Summer Safety Tips For Your Four-Legged Canine Friend

Every summer, hundreds of animals suffer unnecessarily as a result of their owners failing to take the necessary precautions against the excessive heat. Follow these basic guidelines below to ensure that your beloved pet enjoys – and survives – the hottest months of the year.

Avoid Taking The Dog For A Walk During The Day

When the weather is hot, it is best to stop taking your dog for a stroll. The issue with walking or exercising during the hottest part of the day is that you will not be able to cool your dog down quickly enough if you see signs of heat stroke. Consider shifting your pet's walking routine to earlier in the day or later in the evening during the summer. Consider placing protective shoes on your dog's feet if you live in an area that is incredibly hot even during these periods.

Keep Bugs At Bay

Ticks and other summer insects are another popular pet safety concern. Bugs can not only hold viruses, but the methods used to keep them at bay can also be harmful to your outdoor pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides can help keep your lawn looking nice, but they can be extremely hazardous to your pet. To minimize the prevalence of ticks and other insects in places where your pets play, keep the grass cut short. When walking your dog, keep an eye out for pesticide warnings on the lawns of your neighbors. Consult your veterinarian on the effective ways to prevent your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more common in the summer.

Make Sure There Is Plenty Of Water And Shade Available

Over the summer, dehydration in animals is a real risk. When it gets hot, our dogs are much thirstier than we are. Dry gums and heavy drooling are symptoms of dehydration. Make sure your pet always has access to safe, clean water inside the home, and carry a bottle with you when you go outside. During the summer months, you might also turn to a wet dog food to maximize fluid intake. Keep your pet as much as possible in the shade. Although animals enjoy sunbathing, direct sunlight can overheat them (particularly dogs) and cause heat stroke.

Keep Your Pet Groomed For The Summer

Skin cancer is a common type of cancer in dogs, and although their fur offers some sun protection, you should apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to their least hair-covered areas: belly, paws, and nose. Certain ingredients, such as zinc oxide, can be poisonous to pets. During the hot summer months, many pet owners trim the fur; however, leave at least a full inch of fur as protection to help avoid sunburn.

Do Not Leave Pets In Cars

Every year, hundreds of animals die as a result of heatstroke after being left in hot cars. Temperatures may quickly rise in a matter of minutes even if you leave the windows opened a few inches. Don't put your pet in unnecessary danger and endanger their life. Instead, while doing chores, leave your canine friend at home where they can keep calm and relax.

Check If Your Dog Is Wearing Identification

We spend a lot of time outside with our pets during the summer, which raises the likelihood of them running away or being lost. Make sure your dog wears a collar with your contact number on it, and consider having your dog microchipped in case their collar slips off. One of the easiest ways to protect your dog from being lost is to keep them on a leash in unfenced areas.

Understand The Warning Signs

A normal temperature for a dog is between 100° and 103°F. Anything above that indicates that your pet is in danger. Dogs drink water and pant in order to reduce their body temperature. Keep an eye out for the following heatstroke symptoms:

• Excessive panting

• Dry or bright red gums

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting/Diarrhea

• Shaky legs

You'll be able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the summer season with your pet once you've planned excellently for all the possible summer threats.

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