Summer time and the living’s easy! The sun is out, the days are long and people are outside living life with their dogs. However, there are summer dangers for dogs that dog lovers should know and recognize.
Groom Time
It’s a common misconception that many dogs should be cut or shaved short during the hot summer months. Dogs such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Huskies should never be shaved. Any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (the undercoat) should be groomed and brushed but never shaved. Their coat actually helps keep them cool! Simple daily brushing will help take care of the extra fur which can contribute to overheating. More tips on summertime grooming here.
The Backyard BBQ
Nothing says summer more than the smell of the grill being fired up and cooking up a delicious meal on the grill. Your dog is all for it, too! However, please be aware that your dinner could cause health problems for your dog. Some dogs are very susceptible to upset stomachs and all those flavors and seasonings could be trouble for your four-legged friend. Meats with bbq sauce, corn on the cob, fruits with pits, food with bones, food with toothpicks or skewers and even ice cream could send your dog to the veterinarian.
Walkies
Summer time is the perfect weather time to get out and enjoy the seasonal weather. However, you need to plan and time your outdoor promenade so your dog is not in danger. Surfaces such as pavement, asphalt and artificial grass can become searingly hot causing blisters or burns on their paw pads. How do you know if it’s too hot to walk your dog? This test can be conducted by walking to concrete or asphalt and laying the back of your hand down on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for at least 5 seconds, then the asphalt is too hot to walk your dog on. Here are more tips to find out if it’s too hot to walk your dog.
Turn On The A/C
Heat stroke is unfortunately common for dogs in summer. Dogs are very sensitive to heat because they cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating to cool down, in the way that humans do. Over exercising in hot weather and not drinking enough water can be life threatening for your dog. Read more to see signs of heat stroke.
The Car Ride
Even if the weather seems cool to you, it is never safe to leave your dog in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked on a 70 degree day, the temperature inside your car can reach 100 degree in less than 30 minutes. In California, it is illegal to leave an animal in an unattended car under conditions that would endanger the health or well-being of the animal. A violation of this law can lead to charges and jail time! In fact, 28 states now have laws restricting people from leaving their pets in cars.
Water Safety
Most people assume that all dogs can swim, but this isn’t always the case. If your dog is in or near a pool, keep a watchful eye on them. Certain breeds like pugs, corgis, bulldogs may have trouble swimming. To keep Fido safe, buy a floatie or lifejacket while you are near the pool, lake or ocean. If your dog is a crazy water dog, make sure to keep them hydrated by giving them access to cool, clean fresh water. More pool safety tips here!
