Taylor CapekKeep Your Dog Safe With These Summer Safety Tips
Are you all packed and ready to go for your next adventure this summer?! Don’t forget to keep some summer safety tips in mind.
Our summer plans take us to beaches, art festivals and farmer’s markets. They take us on long runs, bike rides and hiking and camping trips. Many of us want to bring our beloved pups along for the fun. However, some of our favorite summer trips and activities can be dangerous for our dogs.
At Outward Hound, we love dogs as much as they love us. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of eight summer safety tips to keep your pup happy and healthy.
1. Never ever ever leave your pup in a parked car—ever.
We know you know this one, but it can never be stressed enough. Leaving your dog in a hot car is uncomfortable and downright dangerous. On an 85 degree day, the temperature in your car can reach 104 degrees in 10 minutes.
There are many alternatives to leaving your pup in the car, though! Ask a friend to come along and play with your pup in the grass while you deposit that check and get your groceries. Use drive-throughs where available. Sit outside during lunch.
If you’re not running dog-friendly errands, leave your pup at home. He’ll be happy in the AC and still love you just as much when you come home.
2. Water, water, water…
Make sure your fur kid always has access to shade and fresh water. Refresh his water bowl more often than you think you should (this will also help with tip #8), and add ice cubes to keep it cooler longer.
If you’re taking your dog with you on your next outdoor adventure, Outward Hound’s Port-A-Bowl is a perfect way to make sure that your pup can stay hydrated and happy!
3. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on hot pavement…
One of the best parts of summer is the endless supply of art, music and food festivals and farmers markets. These events are loaded with family fun and fresh goodies; so, many pup parents are tempted to take their fur children along. However, many owners forget that hot pavement can burn dogs’ feet.
Not sure if it’s too hot for your pooch’s paws? Think of it this way: If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on that pavement, you can guarantee that your dog doesn’t want to walk on it either.
4. Plan that W-A-L-K for cooler times of day
Summer days are usually the hottest and the most humid between 1pm and 4pm. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, just like humans can, so limit your pup’s outdoor play during these peak heat hours. Instead, let her cool off inside with her favorite person—you! Walks, runs, and hikes should be taken in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler and more comfortable for your fur kid.
5. Rinse off after a dip!
Swimming is a great way for you and your pup to cool off on hot days. Check out Outward Hound Life Jackets for your next splashin’ adventure! Keep in mind, though, that chemicals found in pools can irritate your dog’s skin. Be sure to rinse him off with fresh water after your so soakin’ fun time!
Additionally, the chemicals in pools and the saltwater at the beach can upset your dog’s stomach. Watch your pup to make sure he doesn’t drink too much of the water, and always bring fresh water along for him to drink (see tip #2).
6. Did you know that dogs can get sunburned, too?
The best way to keep your pup sunburn-free is to keep him in the shade. If shade isn’t available, though, and you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time, you can apply sunscreen to your pup to avoid peeling, itching, and other problems associated with the sun’s harmful rays.
Apply a waterproof sunscreen to your dog’s nose, the tips of his ears, the skin around his mouth, and his back. Note that lightly-colored and thin-coated dogs can have an increased risk of sunburn.
7. Keep your pup on a short leash at picnics & campfires
Pups can pawsitively join you for picnics and campfires! They should just be kept on a short leash so they don’t get into something that isn’t good for them. Humans’ favorites snacks and drinks are not good for dogs.
Make sure your pup is only eating the snacks you bring for him (okay…and maybe that tiny chunk of barbecue chicken that fell off your plate). Once you light that campfire, keep close tabs on your pup so he doesn’t grab a stick from the hot pile and accidentally burn his tongue.
8. Defend your pup against those pesky fleas, ticks & mosquitos
Keep your pup happy and healthy by defending him from pesky bugs. Summer is the peak season for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies and other insects. Refresh your pup’s water bowl frequently so mosquitos can’t lay eggs in it.
Also, contact your vet to make sure your pup is up-to-date with heartworm medications and a flea and tick control program. However, do NOT spray your dog with insect repellent. Dogs are sensitive to DEET and can develop health problems if exposed to it.
Preparing is Caring
Don’t be afraid to let your dog off the leash and run, swim and play during the summer months! We just want to make sure that all pup parents are aware of possible dangers for their dogs so they can proactively prepare for them.
Ready to head out on your next summer excursion? We are!
Be sure to share photos of your pup-ventures with @outwardhound! We might feature you on Furtropolis!
