Summer dog safety guide: 15 tips to protect your pup from the heat

As summer approaches, it’s important to remember some essential safety tips to ensure that you and your dog can enjoy the season without mishaps.

Here are some valuable summer safety tips to help keep your dog safe and healthy during the warmer months.

Shade and hydration

1. Water, water, water! Keep your dog hydrated. If they drink all the water out of one bucket or spill it, keep a few buckets of cool, fresh water available in different locations around the yard.

Make sure the inside water bowl is always full, too! Many dogs drink more water in the summer than in other seasons.

2. Shade and shelter. Provide shelter in a shady place, preferably away from tall trees, for your dog to retreat when the weather is hot or stormy.

Be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke in dogs, such as excessive panting, excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, weakness, and collapse.

If you notice any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, and seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Dogs with short hair, bald spots, white or light-colored coats, or light-colored noses need pet-safe sunscreen to prevent sunburn if they spend much time outside in the sun.

3. Air conditioning on hot, humid days. Certain short-muzzled breeds like pugs and bulldogs cannot tolerate hot, humid weather.

Each breath is a struggle, and they will quickly succumb to the heat. Bring your dog inside.

Dogs love air conditioning, too!

Water safety

4. Swimming pools kill hundreds of dogs every year. Teach your dog to exit the pool safely, should they fall in.

Most dogs that drown in the family pool do so because they do not know the location of the stairs, ladder, or ledge.

They will continue to paddle in one place until they are so exhausted they sink. Pet supply stores also sell floating ramps. Make sure your dog knows how to get out of the pool.

5. Swimming lessons. All dogs do not know how to swim, and some will sink!

Make sure your dog knows how to swim. Take it into the pool with you to teach it how to swim and to find the exit.

Outdoor safety

6. Fertilizer and lawn treatments can be toxic. Do not leave your dog outside if you have just fertilized your plants or treated your lawn. Many of those chemicals are deadly to dogs, especially puppies, older dogs, small dogs, and dogs in poor health.

7. Hot grills and fryers at fun summer barbecues can be dangerous. Keep your dog away from them during and after use until they have cooled down.

8. Grill utensils such as grill forks, knives, metal and wooden skewers, tin foil, plastic wrap, charcoal, and lighter fluid should be kept out of the dog’s reach.

Car safety

9. Car rides should be limited to short, early morning and evening trips when the temperature has cooled. Your car turns into an oven in a matter of minutes. When in doubt about how long an errand will run, be safe and leave your dog home.

Limiting car rides to short, early morning, or evening trips in hot weather.

10. Parked cars. Check behind and under the car. Dogs often seek shade under parked cars, so know where your dog is before you move your car.

Pests and plants

11. Toxic plants should be avoided or planted only in areas where the dog does not have access.

12. Wood and debris piles should be cleared out. They are an excellent place for snakes to hide. Antivenin is in short supply. Many veterinarians have been on waiting lists to obtain it.

They also hide parasites or ticks that can carry Lyme disease or other threats.

13. Ground hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants can wreak havoc on a nosy dog. Exterminate them in a non-toxic way if possible.

14. Mosquitoes are the sole cause of heartworms. Make sure your yard does not have sitting water. Put fresh water in your birdbath daily. Aerate or keep mosquito eaters, goldfish, or koi in your backyard ponds.

Limit exercise

15. Exercise should be limited to the coolest parts of the day. Keep it short and do it early in the morning and evening. Dehydration poses a severe risk of muscle spasms.

Hot asphalt can also burn dogs’ paws.

Since you may not be able to spend as much time being physically active in the heat, boost your dog’s mental stimulation.

Incorporate interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and games into your dog’s routine during the summer to keep it entertained and mentally stimulated.

Consider arranging playdates with other friendly dogs for social interaction, and engage in obedience training or new tricks to keep their minds sharp and active.

Final thoughts on summer safety

It’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being during summer.

By following these summer safety tips, you can ensure that your canine companion stays healthy and happy while enjoying the season.

You and your dog can make the most of the summer months together with proper care and attention.

Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.

Save

Save

Protect your furry friend with our optimal dog health guide 🐾