Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Dehydration: Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Dehydration is a top worry as dogs lose water quickly through panting in the heat. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, or slow skin elasticity (pinch their back skin—if it doesn’t snap back, they may be dehydrated).

How to Help:

• Always carry a portable water bottle and bowl for walks or outings. Refill their home bowl daily.

• Entice picky drinkers with a splash of low-sodium chicken broth in their water.

• Offer frozen treats like ice cubes with dog-safe fruits (watermelon or blueberries).

• Limit exercise during peak heat (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), opting for early morning or evening.

  
  

If dehydration seems severe, contact your vet immediately for possible IV fluids.

Ticks: Preventing Bites and Diseases

Ticks are a major concern in summer. They thrive in tall grass, woods, and backyards. These pests can spread Lyme disease, which causes joint pain or fever in dogs.

How to Protect:

• Use vet-recommended preventatives like monthly topicals, oral meds, or tick collars.

• Check your dog daily, focusing on areas like ears, armpits, belly, and toes. Ticks can be tiny, like poppy seeds.

• Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping near the skin and pulling straight out. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol.

• Mow your lawn and trim shrubs to reduce tick habitats.

  
  

If your dog shows lethargy or lameness after a tick bite, see your vet.

Heatstroke: Avoiding Overheating

Heatstroke is a serious risk, particularly for short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs. Symptoms include heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or vomiting.

How to Prevent:

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours. Stick to shaded areas for play.

• Provide constant access to fresh water and cooling options like a kiddie pool.

• Never leave your dog in a parked car, where temperatures can soar quickly.

• If heatstroke is suspected, move your dog to a cool area. Offer small sips of water, wet them with cool (not cold) water, and head to the vet.

  
  

Quick action can save your dog’s life.

Skin Issues: Managing Itch and Irritation

Skin problems, from hot spots to allergies, spike in summer due to heat, humidity, and fleas. Dogs with short or light coats are especially prone to these issues.

How to Care:

• Prevent hot spots by keeping fur clean and dry after swims or baths. Clip and treat affected areas; consult your vet.

• Use vet-approved flea preventatives and wash bedding weekly to combat flea allergies.

• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas (nose, ears) for breeds prone to sunburn.

• Bathe your dog with hypoallergenic or oatmeal shampoo to soothe pollen-related itching. Ask your vet about antihistamines if needed.

  
  

Regular checks can help keep minor issues from worsening.

Paw Pad Protection: Safeguarding Their Feet

Hot pavement and rough terrain can burn or injure paw pads, which is a frequent concern for dog owners.

How to Protect:

• Test surfaces with your hand—if it’s too hot to touch for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog. Walk on grass instead.

• Use dog booties for extra protection on hot or rocky surfaces.

• Check paws after walks for cuts, debris, or irritation. Clean with mild soap if needed.

• Moisturize pads with pet-safe balms to prevent cracking.

  
  

Protecting your dog’s paws ensures they stay active and pain-free.

Extra Tips for Summer Fun

Make summer memorable with safe activities for you and your furry friend:

• Set up a sprinkler or kiddie pool for cooling play. Dogs love splashing around in water!

• Visit dog-friendly beaches or lakes. Make sure to rinse off saltwater or algae afterward.

• Brush your dog regularly to prevent matting. However, do not shave double-coated breeds—their fur helps regulate heat.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Summer dog care means staying vigilant about dehydration, ticks, heatstroke, skin issues, and paw pad protection. By addressing these top concerns, you’ll keep your pup healthy and ready for fun. If you notice anything unusual, reach out to your vet for advice.

Enjoy a safe, sunny season with your furry friend! Remember, keeping your dog safe in the summer means staying informed and proactive.