As the summer sun shines bright, it s time to ensure your furry friends stay safe, cool, and happy! High temperatures and outdoor adventures can pose risks for dogs, but with a few precautions, you can make this season enjoyable for your furry best friends. Here are our top summer safety tips for dogs.
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration is a major concern in hot weather. Always provide fresh, cool water for your dog, whether at home or on the go.
Tip: Carry a portable water bottle and collapsible bowl during walks or outings. Warning: Never leave your dog in a parked car, as temperatures can soar to dangerous levels within minutes, even with windows cracked.
2. Protect Against Heatstroke
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially breeds with thick fur or short noses (like bulldogs or pugs). Watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.
Tip: Exercise your dog during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening. Cooling Trick: Offer frozen treats like dog-safe ice cubes made with broth or peanut butter to help them cool down.
3. Paw Protection
Hot pavement, sand, or asphalt can burn your dog s paw pads. If the ground feels too hot for your hand, it s too hot for their paws. Tip: Stick to grassy areas or use dog booties for walks. Check paws after outdoor time for burns or abrasions. Healing Hint: Apply pet-safe paw balm to soothe and protect sensitive paws.
4. Sunburn and Skin Care
Dogs with short or light-colored coats are prone to sunburn. Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are especially vulnerable.
Tip: Use UV block summer shirt. Provide shaded areas during outdoor play. Grooming Note: Avoid shaving double-coated breeds, as their fur helps regulate body temperature.
5. Water Safety
Swimming is a great way for dogs to cool off, but not all dogs are natural swimmers, and water hazards like strong currents or algae blooms can be dangerous.
Tip: Use a dog life jacket for boating or swimming in open water. Rinse your dog after swimming to remove chlorine or salt. Caution: Supervise your dog near pools or lakes to prevent accidents at all time.
6. Flea, Tick, and Parasite Prevention
Summer is peak season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases harmful to dogs. We strongly recommend natural flea and tick prevention methods to keep your dog safe without the use of pesticides.
Tip: Use natural and safe way to prevent them. See our Natural Flea & Tick Repellent on our website. Regularly check your dog s coat after outdoor adventures for ticks. User tick removal globe after hiking, use tick & flea comb (double row comb is great!) Learn about Dangers of Toxic Heartworm and Pesticides.
7. Safe Summer Treats
Spoil your dog with healthy, cooling treats. Try freeze watermelon chunks or plain goat yogurt with berries for a refreshing snack. Always avoid toxic foods like grapes, onions, or chocolate. Portion Control: Keep treats small to avoid upset stomachs.
Frozen Coconut Oil And Berry Pet Treats by Dr. Karen Becker
8. Watch for Allergies
Summer can bring pollen, grass, or mold that trigger allergies in dogs, leading to itching or skin irritation.
Tip: Wipe your dog s paws and coat with a damp cloth after outdoor time to remove allergens. Regular baths with a natural dog shampoo can help.
Enjoy Your Summer!
We are all about keeping dogs safe and loved. By following these summer safety tips, you can be sure your dog enjoys the season without risks. If you are considering adopting a furry friend to share your summer adventures, visit our website to meet our adoptable dogs. Let’s make this summer a tail-wagging success!