Keep Your Dog Safe, Happy, and Healthy This Summer

Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” – Milan Kundera

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. Longer days, sunny weather, and family vacations create plenty of opportunities for adventures together. Whether you’re hiking a local trail, visiting the beach, or simply spending more time in the backyard, it’s important to remember that summer also brings unique risks for our best friends.

How to help your dog safely enjoy every sunny day…

1. Keep Your Dog Cool – Dogs can overheat much faster than people because they don’t sweat the way we do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily by panting. On especially hot or humid days, this may not be enough.
   • Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure your dog has access to shade whenever they’re outdoors. If you’re spending time outside, take frequent breaks and consider bringing a portable water bowl.
   • Walks and exercise are best scheduled for early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Midday heat can be dangerous, especially for puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, and breeds with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers.
2. Protect Those Paws – Hot pavement can quickly burn your dog’s paw pads. Asphalt and concrete absorb heat from the sun and can become much hotter than the surrounding air.
   • Before heading out for a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
   • Whenever possible, walk on grass or shaded paths. Dog booties can also provide extra protection during hot weather.
3. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke – Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
   • Learn to recognize the warning signs, which may include:
     • Excessive panting
     • Bright red gums
     • Drooling
     • Weakness or stumbling
     • Vomiting
     • Diarrhea
     • Confusion or collapse
   • If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a cool, shaded area immediately. Offer cool (not ice-cold) water and gently wet their body with cool water while contacting your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
4. Be Careful Around Water – Many dogs enjoy swimming, but not every dog is a natural swimmer.
   • Always supervise your dog around pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
   • If you’re boating or spending time on deep water, consider using a properly fitted canine life jacket. After swimming, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or algae, and dry their ears thoroughly to help prevent infections.
5. Summer Pests Are Everywhere – Warm weather means fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects become more active. These pests can spread diseases and make your dog uncomfortable.
   • Talk with your veterinarian about year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
   • After hikes or walks through tall grass, check your dog’s coat carefully for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes.
6. Watch What They Eat – Summer gatherings often include foods that are unsafe for dogs.
   • Corn cobs, cooked bones, grapes, onions, chocolate, alcohol, and foods containing xylitol can all be dangerous.
   • Keep picnic tables and grills out of your dog’s reach, and remind guests not to feed table scraps without asking.
   • If you’d like to offer a special summer treat, frozen dog-safe snacks made with plain yogurt, pumpkin, or blueberries can help your pet cool down.
7. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car – Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly.
   • On an 80-degree day, the interior of a car can reach well over 100 degrees within minutes.
   • Leaving a dog unattended in a parked car can quickly become life-threatening. If your destination isn’t pet-friendly, it’s safest to leave your dog comfortably at home.

Make Summer Memories

Summer is one of the best seasons to strengthen the bond with your dog. Try exploring a new hiking trail, visiting a dog-friendly park, playing sprinkler games in the yard, or teaching a new trick during cooler parts of the day.

A little extra care goes a long way toward making summer full of happy tails, wagging tongues, and unforgettable adventures together.

At BowWow Fun Towne…

Dogs are our business, and our friends, and we understand how important your dog is to you.