Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Summer has arrived! Now is the perfect time to go over how you can have as much fun in the sun as possible while making sure your furry friend remains happy, healthy, and comfortable.

1. Don’t leave your dog in the car.

Ever. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. Even if you leave the window cracked. Even if you have a super cool modern car with a feature that adjusts the temperature automatically. We do not recommend it for the health and safety of your pet. Along with health and safety concerns, leaving a pet in the car is actually illegal in some states.

2. Know the signs of overheating and dehydration.

Pets become more susceptible to overheating and dehydration when they’re outside in the sun or when they become more active in the summer months. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs, need to be watched more closely in the warmer weather because they can quickly develop breathing difficulties. 

Signs to watch out for in any pet include: 

• Excessive panting
• Hyperventilation 
• Increased salivation
• Rapid pulse
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weakness.

3. Practice caution on the water.

If you have a pooch who loves kayaking, canoeing, or jumping off docks, you’re likely pretty confident in their swimming skills. When you tell us that your dog could probably win an Olympic gold for their doggy paddle, we believe it, but we still encourage you to put a properly fitted life jacket on your furry friend — just in case. Similarly, knowing pet CPR is helpful for any pet owner, especially those who spend a lot of time in the water.

4. Keep an eye on the temperature.

Most dogs love walks (with the exception of that one dog we all know that prefers being indoors and watching TV like they are slowly morphing into their owner). Hopefully, this means your pup will be getting more time outside as the weather warms up. It’s important to be cautious in the warm summer weather as asphalt heats up quickly and can burn your pet’s paw pads. To check if the temperature is too hot for your pet’s paws, hold the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot, stay home.

We wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and fun summer. Should you need us, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (217) 356-6387.