Dog Days of Summer and Your Dog's Health
Keeping a dog safe during the summer takes some basic thought to the dog's best interest. Most of the tips you get for keeping a dog safe and healthy involve things that are just common sense. However, because most people never really think too much about it, many dogs are hurt, injured, or unsafe during the summer months. Here are a few of the most important things to do for your dog to keep them safe and healthy all summer long:
1. Keep your dog well hydrated.
The best thing you can do for your dog to keep it safe and healthy during the summer is to keep it well hydrated. Give it fresh water daily, and be sure to clean out the bowl, so that it is clean water. A dog needs water to stay hydrated, especially if they are going to be active, or spend a lot of time out of doors. If you are going to be away from home, and so you won't be able to put fresh water in their bowl when they run out, then get them a water dish that has an automatic refill tank so that they are never without the water that they need.
2. Keep your dog cool.
When it is summer, it is hot. If you want your dog to be safe and healthy, you have to make sure they do not over heat or get dehydrated. Some of the things you need to do are keep them indoors or in shade. The hottest part of the day is from 10-4 so these are the hours when you should bring your dog into the house. They can get really hot, especially if they have a thick coat, or long hair. Trim their hair short, as this will help them feel a lot cooler.
3. Don't ever leave your dog in the car.
The car gets really hot, and leaving your dog in a car is bad for them, really unhealthy, and really unsafe, even if you leave the windows down. Instead, take your dog in with you, or leave them home. Even if your poor dog is lonely and wants to get some attention, it is safer to leave them home and lonely then to take them with you and leave them cooped up in a car.
4. Keep their feet off hot pavement.
Did you know that despite the fact that dogs have pads on their feet, they can get burned? Would you want to walk on hot pavement or hot sidewalk without shoes? Don't force your dog to. A dog may end up in severe pain if you force them to walk on a hot surface, so be conscious of this in the summer when the surfaces tend to be hot.
5. Check their ears for foxtails.
One of the summer dangers for dogs is foxtails. They have barbs that make them burrow into the skin, which means they are hard to get out, and really irritating for your dog. So, help keep your dog safe by not allowing them to romp around in fields, and check their ears, eyes, nose, etc. for foxtails regularly. If you find them, get them into the vet before they get infected.
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