How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Summer
Summer is a favorite season for many pet owners and their cherished companions. The sun is shining, the trees are green, and everything is just full of life. However, the scorching sun and high temperatures can also be dangerous for our furry friends. To ensure your pet’s safety and well-being during the summer months, there are several safety tips that every pet owner should be aware of.
Minimize Outside Time
As the summer heat ratchets up the intensity, it’s crucial to remember that leaving your dogs outside for extended periods can be detrimental to their health. Dogs are susceptible to extreme heat, just like the rest of us. Unlike humans, however, they can’t sweat to cool off effectively, relying primarily on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. Just a few hours in the scorching heat can lead to severe consequences, including organ damage or worse. To ensure your furry friend’s well-being, provide plenty of shade and keep outdoor playtime short and supervised.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Just like humans, pets need plenty of water to keep their bodies cool. Always ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. Portable water bottles and bowls can be a great option when traveling or going for a walk with your pet.
Protect Your Dog’s Paws
In the summertime, hot surfaces such as pavement, metal, and wood can be a major hazard for our four-legged friends. Dogs’ paw pads are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it is important to protect them from getting burned. When walking your pet during the summer months, opt for grassy or shaded areas whenever possible, try to schedule your walks during cooler hours (morning or evening), and invest in dog shoes.
Avoid Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
One of the biggest dangers for pets during summer is overheating. Leaving your pet in a hot car—even for just a few minutes—can quickly become life-threatening. Your car can heat up to over 100 degrees in just a matter of minutes, which can cause heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. So, never leave your pets in a parked car alone!
Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable
Pets don’t sweat in the same way humans do, so they need a cool spot to relax in hot weather. Keep your home cool by using fans and air conditioning. Also, make sure to keep fans or any other electrical appliances away from your curious pets to prevent any accidents.
Protect Your Pet from Sunburn
According to the American Kennel Club, some dogs have a higher risk for sunburn than others, such as hairless dogs or pets with white or thin fur. This can cause painful skin irritations and even cancer. Protect your furry friend from the sun by applying pet-specific sunscreen to their skin as directed by a veterinarian. Additionally, to prevent dehydration and overexposure to sunlight, limit outside playtime, especially during the hottest hours.
Watch Out for Chemicals and Toxins
During summer, many household and garden chemicals—such as pesticides, fertilizers, and pool chemicals—can be highly toxic and incredibly harmful to pets. When using any of these chemicals, make sure that your pet is safely inside the house or kept away from these areas.
Summer is a time to enjoy with your furry friends, but pet owners need to ensure their safety first. Keeping your pet hydrated, avoiding leaving them in hot cars, keeping your home cool, protecting them from sunburn, and watching out for harmful chemicals are all very important safety tips for pet owners. At the end of the day, by taking the necessary preventive measures, you can ensure your pet’s summer experience remains fun and enjoyable.
With summer’s hot temperatures and potential hazards, pet owners should be prepared for any emergency situation. Pet insurance can protect your furry friend in case of an accident or illness and provide peace of mind year-round. To request a free, no-obligation quote, call (877)962-4776 or click here.
