Summer is for outdoor living, having fun and spending some quality time with your dog, whether it’s in the backyard, at the park or on the beach. Maybe going for nice long walks with your four-legged friend. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep your dog safe and healthy.
1. Make sure your dog is always well hydrated. You, and the dog, may enjoy playing and walking so much that neither realize the dog is getting getting dehydrated. And preventing dehydration is much easier than curing it. Always take fresh water and a clean bowl when you’re going to spend time outside in the sun.
2. Always look for a shady spot where your dog can lie down, particularly during the middle of the day.
3. Keep an eye on your dog to prevent overexertion and exhaustion. Like children, dogs sometimes don’t know when it’s time to sit down end rest a while. Hours of hiking in a park or throwing a ball can be dangerous for your dog.
4. There are special garments available to cool down your dog. These have water that evaporates off the wet garment and cool the dog down.
5. Check you dog’s paws regularly. Remember he doesn’t wear shoes and the paws can get sore from cuts, hot and rough terrain. It’s best to avoid walking your dog on tarred and hot pavements during the heat of the day.
6. Dogs can also get sunburnt, particularly dogs that have a fair and sensitive skin. Their noses can also get burnt, just like yours. Look for products like sunscreen, hats and even sunglasses in pet shops. Yes, some dogs’ eyes are sensitive to strong sunlight and a cute pair of sunglasses will attract lots of attention!
7. Remember that the parasite population increases sharply during the summer months, particularly in wet and humid climates. Again prevention is better than cure and there are some very good products against fleas, ticks and other nasties available at your vet or pet shop. Start treating your dog before it gets exposed to parasites.
8. Be vigilant for diseases like tick-bite fever and hot spots. Bother needs immediate attention from a vet.
9. As the owner, and the human in the relationship, it’s your responsibility to be on the lookout for situations that can become unpleasant; like other dogs, children running around and the general excitement of summer. Make sure you always know where your dog is and that it’s under control when in a public space.
10. Finally, even when you don’t leave home during summer, make sure that your dog has enough water and shelter that provides enough shade during the day.
Enjoy a safe and healthy summer with your dog! All it takes is common sense and a few precautions.
1Salomi is a contributing blogger ,dog lover and avid learner ,you can see more of her articles on her <a href=”http://dogasapet.weebly.com”>website</a>
Notes: