Summertime Protection for Your Canine

Everyone thinks of summer as the best time to take Fido for long walks and exercise. In actuality, the summertime can be a very difficult season for dogs. Dogs suffer the same problems people do. Heatstroke actually occurs more in dogs than in people! Never leave your dog in a parked car. Dogs should stay inside when temperatures are at their worst. This means in the air conditioning, not just a dog house. Many dog houses provide safety from the sun, but not the heat. That could be deadly.

Exercise and walks should be taken early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler. If the dog is outside, make sure the dog has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. It should be located in a shady location. If there is a place for a wading pool, many dogs would love to soak in it or have the sprinkler on for the dog to run through. That should also be located away from direct sunlight. If the dog is near a pond, pool or ocean, make sure the dog does not drink that water. There are many predators, both microscopic and larger that live in these areas.

Brush or clip the dogs hair to keep it cooler, but do not shave the dog; they need hair to be a sun barrier, as they can burn easily. Dogs also get skin cancer. Make sure dogs with pink noses, and stomachs have dog safe sunblock on. Make sure that the dog has all their flea and tick prevention up to date. This is the time when insects are the worst. Summer is a fun time for people and animals. In order to make it safe, make sure that Rover follows the same summer safety you would!