Summertime Safety

Summer Safety Tips

Summertime temperatures can bring fun and relaxation, but there can be many dangers lurking for your dog if you are not careful. Here are some safety reminders for you to help keep your pets safe.

Remember that cars heat up very, very fast in the sun. The darker the car, the quicker it heats up. When dogs breathe, they often pant and that heats up a room or a car even more. Dogs can very quickly overheat in a closed up car so PLEASE don't leave your dogs in the car in the summer unless you absolutely have to.

If you must run in to a store, look for shade and leave all of the windows down at least a couple of inches.  This will help provide cross ventilation.  And if you do leave your dog in the car, check back many times to be sure they are okay. 

Another thing that really heats up in the summer is sidewalks and streets. Be careful taking your dogs for long walks in the summer especially in the afternoon if you walk on the street or the sidewalk. Those pads aren't shoes! Their feet get hot and they could injure or burn their pads.  Take early morning walks or wait til late afternoon or early evening.

Next: More water, please! Dogs obviously need to drink more water in the summer than in the winter. Keep their water bowls filled with fresh water (change 2 times a day) and don't forget to wash that water dish daily, too! If you're taking a long walk, bring some cold water with you. 

Ticks! What are your preparations to keep your dogs safe from ticks. Some people believe in vaccinations, others don't. Some use topicals like Advantix, some dogs have trouble with that. What do you do?  I like using a product called NexGuard with my dogs.  That is a chewable rather than a topical. 

Do some research. What is the best plan of action for your dog(s)? Now is the time to take the appropriate action.

Do your best to watch out for your dog!  They depend on us every minute of every day.