We’re not far away from the dog days of summer, and when June 21 rolls around, you need to make sure that both you and your dog are well-prepared. Here are some summer safety tips to practice to keep your dog happy and healthy this summer.
Have a pre-summer checkup
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites thrive in summer, so make sure your dog is ready by taking them to the vet in the spring or early summer. Get them tested for heartworm and ensure they’re all caught up on their shots.
NEVER leave your dog inside a parked car
It doesn’t matter how long or short you’re gone, or even if you have the air conditioning running. On a warm day, temperatures can rise rapidly, even exceeding 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. This can lead to brain damage, organ failure, heatstroke, or suffocation. So don’t risk it—take your dog out of the car when you leave.
Limit exercise on hot days
Exercising too much on a hot day can lead to overheating, so limit it to the early morning or evening hours. Also take care that the asphalt doesn’t burn your dog’s paws by walking them on the grass whenever possible, and taking breaks in the shade when you can.
Provide plenty of water
Always make sure that your dog has a full bowl of water whenever they need it. If there’s a heat wave, add some ice. You can even help cool your dog down by giving them a peanut butter popsicle for them to chew on.
Apply sunscreen and trim longer hair
Yes, even dogs need sunscreen. Dogs with light-colored coats are susceptible to sun burn, even skin cancer, so talk to your veterinarian about the different sunscreens available for dogs. While you’re at it, schedule an appointment with the groomers to get your dog’s hair trimmed so it’s not as thick throughout the summer.
At Pauley’s Pups, we want to make sure that every dog is happy and healthy all season long. And if you’re thinking about adding a canine companion to your family, then check out the puppies at Pauley’s Pups. Contact us at 804-798-7877 to learn more about our available puppies today!