10 Summertime Dog Safety Tips
The sun is out, and our dogs are ready to play, which means now is also the right time to review summertime dog safety.
As much fun as summer can be, summer can also be dangerous for our four-legged family members.
Read on for ten summertime dog safety tips to keep your pup safe and healthy this season.
#1 Do Not Leave Dogs in Cars
We’ve all heard that we shouldn’t leave dogs in cars during the sweltering summer months, but it can be tempting to run into a store or restaurant that isn’t dog-friendly for just a few minutes.
This is still dangerous.
According to PETA, “In 2023 alone, 163 animals endured heat–related deaths and another 855 were rescued from the heat—and those are just the ones that were reported. Most almost certainly aren’t.”
This is because the inside of a vehicle gets extremely hot in just a little bit of time.
AKC explains, “When it’s only 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help.”
#2 Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Dogs don’t sweat to cool themselves off like humans. Instead, they pant.
But, if it is too hot and their panting method fails, it can cause heat stroke.
Heat stroke can be fatal.
It is critical that you lower your dog’s body temperature if you suspect they are suffering from heat exhaustion (which leads to heat stroke).
Read What Are The Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs to learn more.
#3 Avoid Toxic Lawn Products
Many of the products people use on their lawns and in their gardens are unsafe for dogs.
Try to keep your dog out of areas where toxic fertilizers, mulch, or pesticides are used.
#4 Watch Out for Hot Pavement
The pads on dogs’ paws are a bit tougher than our bare feet, but they can still burn.
If you can’t walk barefoot on the pavement because it is too hot, neither can your dog.
This may mean you need to adjust your dog’s exercise times during the summer.
For instance, don’t take your dog on walks during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, go for walks in the early morning or later in the evening.
#5 Make Sure Your Dog Has Proper Identification
If your dog is traveling with you on summer vacations, proper identification is necessary.
You want to be sure your dog is microchipped and has a leash and collar.
Unfortunately, dogs can easily get lost when in an unfamiliar environment, and a microchip can help you be reunited with your lost pup.
#6 Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dogs should always have access to clean water, but this is especially true during the hot summer months.
Keep a portable water dish with you when you go out and about with your dog.
[Recommended Read: 15 Summer Must-Haves for Dogs]
You can also spray down your dog’s paws to help him cool off.
NOTE – Do not allow your dog to drink salt water from the ocean. This can lead to salt toxicity. Similarly, don’t allow your dog to drink chlorinated water.
#7 Maintain Regular Grooming
It can be easy to think that if your dog gets wet playing in the pool, he doesn’t need to be bathed or groomed.
But this is a mistake.
Chlorine and ocean water can dry out a dog’s coat.
Additionally, summertime grasses may contain burrs that can get caught in paws and skin.
#8 Never Leave Dog Unattended in Water
Don’t assume that your dog can swim.
Some dogs take to water better than others.
If your dog is swimming, make sure you are close enough to help your dog get out of the water if something happens.
Strong tides in the ocean and even exhaustion from fun can make swimming more difficult for dogs.
#9 Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations and Medications
If you plan to travel this summer, your dogs will need to be up-to-date with vaccinations whether you are taking them with you or having them boarded.
In addition to extra summer travels, summertime dog safety involves protecting them from ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
Make sure you continue your regular form of preventative medications.
#10 Schedule Regular Poop Scooping
When it comes to summertime dog safety, poop scooping may not come to mind.
But, as we tell our clients, dog poop is unsafe!
It contains tons of harmful bacteria that can cause serious health issues for your dogs and your humans.
If your family plans to enjoy the backyard this summer, you need regular poop scooping to ensure no one in your family accidentally steps in bacteria-filled dog poop and brings these germs into the home.
Plus, the summer heat + dog poop = a smelly yard!
Sign up for regular poop scooping with Super Scoopers today!