Summer Safety Tips For Your Dog

It's been a HOT one hasn't it?

And it looks like the temperature is only going to keep rising...

You either love the heat or stay far away from it, but when you have a beloved pet to take care of you'll be visiting the great outdoors more often than not. And when that's the case, there are a few precautionary rules you NEED to follow in order to keep them safe in the summer heat.

1. If the ground you are walking on is too hot for you to touch, it is WAY to hot for your dogs to walk on. If you must walk your pet on a hot surface (side walk, sand, etc.) then invest in dog shoes.

2. Take your daily walks either early in the morning or late in the day to avoid overheating. Flat faced dogs are especially prone to this.

3. If your dog likes to hang out outside, try creating a shaded space for them to relax under to avoid the direct sunlight.

4. Never leave your dog in a car or inclosed space on a hot day. Cars are much warmer than the temperatures outside even on a cool day and leaving them in there can cause brain damage or death.

5. If you take your dogs outside for any amount of time, try to offer them water as much as possible. You can find great "dog water bottles" at your local pet store or online to make it even easier to give them access to water if you are traveling or on the go.

If you have a dog, you should always stay alert to the way they are behaving and know the signs of overheating.

*Signs of overheating in dogs are*:

• excessive panting
• weakness
• increased heart rate
• disorientation
• dry nose
• vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite

Dog's can suffer from heatstroke far easier than a human can, so always be aware of the temperatures outside (even if you're in the shade!) 

If you think it's hot outside, chances are your dog's body thinks it's 10x hotter. 

Other than the rising temperatures, dog owners must be aware of other safety issues that arise during the summer too, such as: fireworks/loud noises, outdoor parties/BBQ's, and toxic chemicals.

Fireworks are inevitable around the bigger summer holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and even at local sporting events. It's usually best to keep your pets inside when you know fireworks will be involved because dogs are known to run away and go missing at these times.

Outdoor BBQ's are a great way to spend time with your friends and family during the summer months, but if you are bringing your dog along make sure to be careful of your surroundings: a hot grill, charcoal or propane tanks, unsafe food for dogs, pools, and alcohol products should all be avoided.

Many people begin the spring and summer by treating their yards with bug repellent of some sort and many of these products are not safe for dogs. Always use caution when walking past neighbors houses and make sure to read labels carefully on these products to learn when it is safe for your pets to be outside again.

Hopefully these tips have helped remind you of all the precautions you should be taking this summer or maybe even taught you something new! Either way, we all want what is best for your pets.

Stay safe and have fun out there, dog lovers!