top 10 tips to keep your dog safe this summer

Our dogs get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. This is why it is super important for your dog to have access to fresh drinking water and to try to keep your dog in the shade as often as possible. Lot of dogs like to sunbathe too, but direct sunlight over time can overheat your dog and cause heat stroke.

Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt too? Especially those with short or light-colored coats. And just like with people, sunburns can be painful for a dog and overexposure to the sun can even lead to skin cancer. We recommend talking to your veterinarian about sunscreens for your dog - because sunscreen for people may not be appropriate for your dog.

6.  Be mindful of your dog’s breed.

Dogs that ahave a short head and snout, such as  Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs.

7. Make sure your dog is protected from parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

It's always fun to go on adventures with your dog! But you also have to make sure they are protected from pests. If your dog isn't protected, they are at risk for heartworm, Lyme disease, and a host of other nasty and dangerous conditions. And don’t forget, many of these diseases can be caught by people too!

8. Get your doggo a kiddie pool or sprinkler to cool off!

Does your dog love the water? Fill up a kiddie pool with water for your pup to cool off in! Don’t have a kiddie pool? Lots of dogs enjoy playing with the hose or sprinklers too.

9. Watch your dog around treated lawns.

Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated with fertilizer for at least 24 hours. Many of the chemicals used in lawn treatments are toxic to pets.

10. Don't EVER leave your dog in a hot car.

This one should be a given. It can take minutes – yes, MINUTES – for a dog to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in a parked car. On a 78 degree day, for instance, temperatures in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and top 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun! A cracked window isn’t enough to keep a car cool. Your best bet is to leave your dog home on warm days.

Okay - there's only supposed to be 10 tips...but here's just one more:

Know your dog well and pay attention to them – you’ll know when they seem uncomfortable and know their body language.

With these tips, we hope you have a fun, adventurous and safe summer with your dog!