Living in the northern part of this country means we’re all itching to get outside probably long before all of the snow is done. Not that we don’t get outside in the snow, but it’s different in the warm and sunny weather, right? It’s so easy to just throw on shoes and leave the house. (Or not throw on shoes…) And our dogs feel the same so we’re here with tips for dog safety in the summer.
Most likely when the weather is not very pleasant or it’s just harder to leave the house because we have to put on so many layers, our dogs have also suffered from less time outside. (Not suffered in a serious sense but still…)
Alas, we’ve made it through another winter, and ease of outdoor time has returned. Perhaps it simply means more and longer walks with your dog. Or maybe it means different activities and even travel with your dog.
Whatever your plans, we’ve got some tips to make sure everyone is safe and happy and healthy.
To start, your dog will probably be dirtier more often, and we’ve already written about how to groom your dog at home to save some money.
The basics
Make sure your dog tags and ID are all up to date. Also check out their collars and leashes and make sure they’re in good shape and at the ready. Check with your vet about flea and tick prevention and medication. Finally, do they need any updated vaccinations? Get on that ASAP.
Watch out for chemicals
Don’t let your dog romp on the grass if there are signs that it’s been treated. Watch them closely around gardens, for chemicals and for the flowers that might smell interesting enough to taste but could be highly toxic.
Be aware around water
- Don’t ever let your dog drink from puddles. You never know what’s in there.
- Keep an eye out near any larger bodies of water. Not all dogs are great swimmers.
- If you go to the ocean, make sure they don’t drink the salt water. It’s upsetting to their tummies.
- And with larger bodies of water, even if they are good swimmers, they (like you) will struggle with strong currents. Get a doggie life preserver.
Be aware of heat
- Remember that pavement can burn your dog’s paws. Walk when it’s cooler. Or find grass.
- Always have water on hand so you can stop for a refreshing break.
- Think about getting a super short puppy cut if they have medium or long hair.
- Watch out for heat stroke. Warning signs include panting more than usual, drooling, balance issues, and bright red gums.
- Go here for more about heatstroke in dogs, including information about treatment.
Traveling with your dog
- If you’re driving a lot with your dog, please don’t let them hang their head out the window. It can cause damage not just to their eyes but also their ears and can cause lung infections.
- As always, never leave your dog alone in a car. Not even for “just five minutes.”
- Make sure you have all of your pet ID up to date before traveling. And a stop at the vet is not a bad idea as part of your preparation.
Watch out at summer picnics
There can be a lot of tempting foods and drinks sitting around at picnics and parties. If you have your dog with you, it can be best to keep them on a leash to make sure they don’t eat or drink something that will make them sick. And of course, a leash is a great idea if they are somewhere unfamiliar with unfamiliar people and other animals.
Summer is a favorite time of year for humans and dogs. Let’s keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy.