How you and your dog can have a wonderful summer
The weather’s warming up, giving you the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, including your beloved pooch, of course! Here’s our guide to keeping your dog safe and healthy so you can all enjoy a wonderful summer.
Safe summer walks
Getting out and about in the great outdoors lets you enjoy the sunshine and ensures exercise stays part of your dog’s routine. However, you must choose the right time of day and consider where to take your walks.
Temperatures tend to be highest in the middle of the day, which can put your pooch at risk of overheating. It’s best to walk in the morning or evening instead. Pavements or concrete paths can get very hot and burn your dog’s foot pads. Try heading for your nearest woodland or field where your pooch can walk on grass. You can also do the five-second test on pavements. Hold your hand on the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’ll be too hot for your dog’s paws.
You can also protect your dog from sunburn by applying dog-safe sun cream to any exposed areas of skin.
Keeping your dog cool
You can give your dog respite from the heat and help them keep cool in various ways. Make sure they have cool places to relax, whether that’s inside or a shady spot in the garden. Give them plenty of fresh water to drink. You can also add a couple of ice cubes or give them a frozen Kong to chew.
A damp towel or cooling mat can be useful. Make sure your dog lies on it rather than draping it over them, as this can trap heat against their skin. Regular grooming helps by removing loose or excess hair that can make them feel hotter.
Finally, please never leave your dog in the car. The inside of a car can be twice as hot as the outside, and even a few minutes can seriously harm or even kill your dog. Leave them at home, or with someone you trust if you can’t keep them with you when you’re out.
Summer health hazards
Summer can cause health issues, but what signs should you look out for? Burned pads can be painful, and your dog may limp or refuse to walk. You might also notice darker skin or signs of blistering. In severe cases, part of the pad may even be missing.
Overheating can lead to heatstroke. Your pooch might pant or drool more than they usually do. They can appear sleepy, confused, or be sick. It’s best to try to cool them down before taking them to the vet, as a trip in a hot car can make matters worse. Take them to a shady area and encourage them to drink to get their temperature down before seeking medical advice.
Flystrike is caused by flies laying their eggs in your pet’s fur. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on your dog. It’s every bit as unpleasant as it sounds and can be fatal. Checking your dog’s fur and skin every day for signs of eggs or maggots helps to prevent this.
Enjoying a barbecue
A barbecue may be a regular part of your summer fun, but can your dog join in? Many barbecue foods aren’t safe for dogs, as they can cause upset stomachs, choking, or internal blockages. These include fatty meats, sausages, and meat on the bone, as well as vegetables such as onions and corn on the cob. Undercooked meat can be harmful to dogs and humans. Give them their usual food and treats, or an enrichment toy to play with while you enjoy your barbecue. It’s also a good idea to clear the leftovers away quickly and check the garden for any dropped food, in case your pooch picks it up first.
Barbecues can cause burns, so keep your dog away from the grill and any smoky areas. The barbecue can stay hot even when you’ve finished cooking, so keep an eye on it and make sure your pooch keeps their distance.
We at PetStay hope you and your family have a wonderful summer! If you’re going on holiday and can’t take your beloved pooch with you, our dog carers can look after every aspect of your dog’s care so that you can enjoy your break without worry. Check here to see why we’re your best choice for quality dog boarding!