As the warm summer months rapidly approach, many pet owners relish in the idea of long afternoon walks or Frisbee at the beach with the family dog.Many of these warm weather activities are very beneficial, allowing for exercise, fresh air and sunshine, not to mention the opportunity to socialize. And, to ensure that our four-legged friends have a safe and healthy summer, owners need to take certain factors into consideration, as well as following some basic guidelines.
Before the hot summer months hit, it is recommended that you visit the veterinarian.
If your dog is not on year-round heartworm protection, have them tested and start them on a heartworm preventative such as Heartgard. Make sure your dog is up to date on all of his shots because it is likely you will run into other dogs that are not protected.
Depending on what kind of dog you have, you might want to also consider a stop at the groomers. A summer buzz cut (no shorter than an inch in length) will bring much relief to animals with long or thick hair, and will also save you hours of picking out debris after a romp in the woods.
Many dogs are subject to skin allergies during summer months, and regular grooming and bathing with a medicated shampoo will cut down on excessive itching.
Consideration of breed is also important when deciding on outdoor activities. Snub-nosed (or Brachycephalic ) breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs, and Bulldogs should be kept indoors, preferably in air-conditioning, on exceptionally hot days as they are prone to lung and heart problems. The same goes for elderly and extremely overweight dogs.
Hairless dogs such as the Chinese Crested are susceptible to sunburn just as much as their human counterparts, and should be treated with a protective sunscreen made especially for animals.
Make sure there is a well shaded area for your animal to retreat to if the sun becomes too much, and avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day as super heated tarmac and concrete can burn the pads of the paws.
Anytime you’re playing outside in summer, cool water is a must. Several manufacturers make travel water bottles and bowls for hot dogs on the go. You can even treat your pooch to an icy treat such as a “Kongcicle”, store bought dog “ice cream,” or plain old ice cubes.
Summer is a great time for backyard barbecues and picnics, but offer a whole host of dangers to your pet.
Pest coils and Citronella candles smell wonderful to your animal, but are extremely toxic if eaten. Animals should always be kept away from barbecue grills and outdoor fireplaces.
And, it is a common misconception that animals can all swim instinctively, but this is not true. Animals should always be supervised around the family pool or other large areas of water. Dogs should be kept from drinking pool water, as the chlorine and other chemicals could make the dog sick.
Lastly, do not ever leave an animal unattended in a car in the summertime. It doesn’t matter if you crack the window. It doesn’t matter if you park in the shade. It doesn’t matter if you’re just running in to pick up the dry cleaning and will be right back out. It only takes a matter of minutes for the heat in the car to reach dangerous levels. Just don’t do it.
The warm days of summer can bring much joy to four- and two-legged friends alike. But our furry companions count on us to make sure they stay safe and get everything they require to stay happy and healthy. We owe it to them, as well as ourselves, to make sure there are many fun summers in their future
