We hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather and getting out in the sunshine with your dogs. Whilst it is lovely to have some slightly warmer temperatures and sunshine, we wanted to share a few safety tips for your dogs during the summer months.
Make sure your dog is getting plenty of water and shade – it is more difficult for dogs to regulate their temperature and they can struggle to keep cool. Making sure they have lots of shade and water whilst out and about can prevent them from developing heat stroke (more details below).
Use a paddling pool or hose – if your dog loves to play in water, picking up a paddling pool or using your hose pipe can be a great way to keep your dog cool during the summer heat. Investing in a plastic pool can be worthwhile as nails can tear ones made of thinner materials.
Avoid lengthy walks on hot sand or pavement – hot sand and pavement can burn your dogs paws. We recommend taking your dog for a walk in the cool of the morning, or sticking to grass or woodland areas when walking them during the heat of the day. Burnt paws can be very uncomfortable and painful for your dog.
Do not leave your dog alone in a hot car – this goes without saying. Even with a window open, cars get extremely hot and this can be dangerous and even fatal for your dog. Don’t do it, even for short periods of time. It can be distressing and traumatic for your dog.
Avoid overly strenuous exercise – on extremely hot days, try and keep strenuous activity to a minimum. Opt to take your dog on a short walk, or find some simple activities you can do indoors with your dog to keep them busy and active.
Doggie Sunburn – our dogs can get sunburnt, just like us! Light-coloured dogs with short fur are particularly susceptible. Don’t use human sun cream on your dog as many of the chemicals are toxic and unhealthy for your dog, however there are lots of different brands suitable for your dog.
Watch out for pests – thoroughly check your dog for ticks (as you would fleas) as they are at their prime during summer. We recommend consulting your vet about different preventative measures available to avoid your dog being bitten by mosquitoes. Bites are itchy and uncomfortable for your dogs.
Carry fresh water- avoid water from lakes, oceans and pools. When your dog drinks sea-water it can lead to dehydration and vomiting. Always carry plenty of fresh water for your dog to drink and stay hydrated.
ID! – we always recommend checking that your dog is chipped and wearing up to date identification. During summer, we spend much more time outdoors which can increase the risk of your dog exploring a little too far and getting lost. Make sure your dog is wearing something with up to date contact details, preferably a microchip too just in case their collar comes loose.
