Pet Safety: Summer Edition AKA The Dog Days of Summer

Summer is well underway and our furry friends couldn’t be happier. The season known for longer days and warm weather is enough to get any dog wagging their tail. However, the warm weather isn’t always a reason to celebrate. As pet parents, it is our job to continue to monitor our pet’s safety. It may seem like there is less to worry about in summer, but that is not the case. We have put together four tips to help keep your pup safe this summer.

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1. Watch the sun. Taking your dog for a walk may be far more enjoyable in the summer for you, but that might not be the case for your dog. Make sure to walk your dog when the sun is not at it’s peak. That means either in the morning or around sundown. This will allow your dog to enjoy the walk without feeling overheated or burning their paws on asphalt. If walking your dog during the hottest part of the day is unavoidable, make sure to find a lot of shade and avoid asphalt when possible.
2. Water makes the world go round. As the summer months roll on, you may find yourself and your furry friend outside more often. That is perfectly fine, just make sure your pet has all they need to remain comfortable. Monitoring the amount of water your dog consumes to ensure their bowl is never empty is always helpful.
3. Don’t let your pet overheat. Dogs cool down naturally by panting, it’s in their nature. However, some flat faced dog breeds, such as pugs, have a harder time cooling off because they cannot pant as effectively as other breeds. Make sure to keep an eye on your curious canine during the hotter parts of the day, especially if you find them running around outside.
4. Dogs need sunscreen too! Dogs with short, light colored fur may be more susceptible to sunburns. If you notice that your canine’s skin is red or pink underneath their fur it is best to consult your veterinarian. There are pet-safe sunscreens out there and it may be best to include sunscreen in your dog’s daily summer routine.   

As the weather continues to heat up, make sure your pet is calm, cool, and collected with these tips.

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