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Top 10 summer safety tips for dogs
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Cocker chillin' at the beach (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Summer has finally settled in, and it’s good to remember that our dogs are feeling the heat at least as much as we are. Here are some important tips for keeping your pup safe and cool for the season.
1) Make sure he has plenty of shade to relax in during the day. If you don’t have large trees or a covered patio in the yard, consider ways to keep your buddy inside as much as possible when it’s hot. Keep in mind that there might be days when even the shade is too hot to be comfortable.
2) Refill his bowl with plenty of fresh, cool water throughout the day. It sounds like Dog Care 101, but we all know there’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a nice, cool drink. Please don’t make your pooch drink warm, stale water all summer! He might also enjoy chewing on ice cubes, or even frozen peanut butter balls as a special treat. Just be careful about the size of your frozen snacks so he doesn’t choke!
3) Never, ever leave him in the car when it’s hot. Not even for five minutes. Doing so is putting him at risk for heat stroke. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency, so don’t chance it. If you’re traveling with your dog, make sure to stop at dog-friendly locations so that he can leave the car with you. Check out peteducation’s signs of heat stroke in your dog.
4) Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. If you take your dog walking or jogging, remember that he’s doing it in a fur coat, and the afternoon sun might be too much for him to handle right now. Also, the cement and asphalt can be incredibly hot, so don’t let his tender foot pads get burned while he’s out.
5) Pay attention to your breed’s special summer needs. Some light-colored short-coated dogs like the Dalmatian, and hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested, need sunscreen. Others, like the Pug or Pekingese, have a very low heat tolerance because of their flattened faces. Huskies and dogs with thick undercoats will get overheated much quicker than breeds with short or silky coats. Know what your pup's limits are!
6) Keep him well groomed. The extra effort you put into bathing and brushing your dog regularly will make everyone happier. Grooming will strip out any leftover winter coat, which means he’ll be cooler, and you’ll find fewer furballs stuck to your couch!
7) Protect him against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes. There are many preventative measures to protect against these nasty pests, including sprays, medicated collars, pills, and drops – but these chemicals can be rather harsh on your pet and the environment. Check out eartheasy’s tips for gentler, more earth friendly options.
8) Keep him away from dangerous plants, particularly if he’s a garden grubber. Check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants and make sure you puppy-proof your garden. Be very careful about choosing insecticides and fertilizers to use in your garden, as these can also be harmful to your pets.
9) Fill a children’s wading pool with water, or turn on the sprinkler for him. Many dogs love to lounge or splash in water when the weather gets warm. This is a really inexpensive solution to help keep your buddy cool.
10) Watch out for antifreeze. This is important all year round, because antifreeze is highly toxic and has a sweet flavor that dogs like. During the summer, dogs may be more tempted to drink from a puddle if they’re warm, so be suspicious of any small puddles on the street on in garages, especially if you note any lime-green (the color of antifreeze).
If you keep these tips in mind, you and your pet will enjoy a fun and healthy summer together!
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