While summer is a great time to spend outside with your best friend, it's also crucial to consider their health during the hotter months. By adopting a few simple steps, you can ensure that your dog is happy, healthy, and cool over the summer. Here are some summer dog care recommendations:
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated: During the summer, dogs are more susceptible to dehydration, particularly if they are active or spend a lot of time outside. Make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water, and think about taking water and a bowl with you when you're out and about.
2. Cover Their Paws: Grass, sand, and even concrete can become quite hot in the summer, making it uncomfortable for your dog to walk on. Try to walk your dog in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler, and consider wearing paw guards to keep their paws cool and safe.
3. Keep an eye out for heatstroke: Just like people, dogs can experience heatstroke, so it's crucial to see the symptoms and act quickly. Heavy panting, trouble breathing, and collapsing are signs of heatstroke. Move your dog to a cooler area, provide water, and call a vet right away if you think they may be experiencing heatstroke.
4. Keep Them Cool: Even though dogs don't sweat as people do, it's critical to discover alternative summertime cooling strategies for them. When your dog is outside, give them some shade, and think about getting a dog-friendly pool or sprinkler so they can play in it. Also, you may provide them with a cooling mat or towel to lay on.
5. Watch Out for Sunburn: Dogs are susceptible to sunburn much like people, especially those with lighter fur or shorter hair. If your dog has exposed nose, ears, and other regions, think about putting pet-safe sunscreen to those areas or offer shade when they're outside.
6. Don't Over-Exert Your Dog: The summer is a fantastic season for outdoor activities, but it's crucial to keep your dog from over-exerting themselves. Avoid intense activities like hiking in the heat and be sure you take frequent breaks and provide drinks.
7. Keep Them Groomed: Keeping your dog well-groomed will keep them cool and comfortable in the heat. Consider giving your dog a trim to keep their fur shorter and more manageable throughout the warmer months. Brush your dog frequently to remove loose fur.
8. Keep Your Dog Protected from Ticks and Fleas: Summer is the most active time of year for ticks and fleas, so it's crucial to keep your dog free of these parasites. Implement a flea and tick repellent, and keep an eye out for parasite symptoms in your dog.
9. Be Careful When Driving: Never leave your dog in a hot car, even for a little period of time. The temperature inside a parked car can rise very rapidly and become harmful. Make sure the air conditioner is on and give your dog water and breaks as needed if you must transport them in the car.
10. Consider Summer Training: Consider Summer Training: The warmer weather can introduce new opportunities for outside activities and training sessions, making summer a fantastic time to work on training with your dog. If you want to increase your dog's obedience and manners, think about enrolling in a class or hiring a professional trainer.
The key to caring for your dog throughout the summer is to keep them cool, hydrated, and protected from the sun. You can make sure that your furry friend is content, safe, and comfortable throughout the summer by taking a few easy precautions.
