Fun in the Sun: Keeping Your Pet Safe and Happy All Summer Long!
Everyone is ready to leave the gloomy winter behind and get back to adventuring with their furry friends! As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. But summer also brings some seasonal risks, so we’ve put together a few simple tips to help keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy all season long.
Watch the Heat!
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in hot and humid weather. Try to schedule walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. If it feels hot to your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws! When the thermometer registers 85 degrees Fahrenheit and stays elevated throughout the day, taking your dog everywhere you go, even for a short outing, can be dangerous. Be sure to watch your pet for signs of heat stroke–drooling excessively, thickened saliva, and discoulored gums (bright red, blue, purple). There are several ways you can help to keep your furry friend cool during and after summer outings!
Stay Hydrated and Find Shade!
Always bring fresh water when you’re out and about. At home, make sure your dog has constant access to clean, cool water to prevent dehydration. It also helps to take breaks in the shade whenever possible, whether you are hanging out under the trees in your local park or the patio of your local neighbourhood hangout. Having a cooler and darker place to get away from the sun is very helpful for your pet, in addition to a nice cool drink!
Watch for Pests!
During the summer, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are at their peak, increasing your dog’s risk of infestations and disease. Preventatives protect against issues like skin irritation, tick-borne illnesses, and heartworm, which is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be life-threatening. Keeping your dog on consistent flea, tick, and heartworm prevention helps avoid costly treatments and keeps them comfortable and healthy. Staying proactive ensures your dog can safely enjoy all the fun that summer brings!
Enjoy Treats Responsibly!
While it’s tempting to share, many human foods can upset your dog’s stomach or be harmful. Stick to dog-friendly treats and keep an eye out during cookouts.Feeding your dog too many table scraps can lead to digestive upset, weight gain, and poor nutrition. Many human foods are too rich, fatty, or even toxic for dogs, which can cause serious health issues over time. It can also encourage begging behaviour and make it harder to maintain a balanced diet. Sticking to high-quality dog food and occasional pet-safe treats helps keep your dog healthy and well-behaved.
By taking a few extra precautions, you can make summer a fun and safe season for your pup. Here’s to sunny days, wagging tails, and plenty of outdoor adventures!
Until next time,
🐾 Woofs & Wags
- Melissa & Oaklee 🐾
@unleashthepawsitive
