During the summer it’s always great to spend days at the beach, go for nice long walks and enjoy quality time in the garden with your pet, but the hot weather can often be a challenge, especially for dogs. It’s important to take key safety tips into consideration during the summer, as you want to make sure your dog is healthy and happy throughout the warmer months. Whilst a lot of the tips are ones, you’ll probably take note of all year around, it’s still beneficial to take everything into consideration and keep a closer eye at this time of year.
Keep Them Hydrated
One of the most crucial safety tips for dogs during summer is to ensure they are hydrated at all times. Dog drinking a lot of water to keep them feeling refreshed and healthy and during the summer they often need more than normal. Keeping their water bowl topped up during each day is essential, as well as packing a bottle of water for your daily walks to provide them with a drink whilst you’re out and about. If you notice your dog seems out of breath or is panting more than usual, encourage them to have some water and try to keep them in a calm, shaded space to give them time to cool down and relax.
Cooling Essentials
Over the years, many pet suppliers have introduced some fantastic cooling products to keep your dog cool during the summer and it’s always worth taking a look at what’s out there. From cooling coats and mats to freezer-friendly dog toys, you can find all sorts of unique products to help combat those high temperatures and keep your dog happy. With online retailers like Petwell providing a great range of different cooling products, you can read up on reviews and see how different products work for certain breeds and sizes.
Maintain a Close Eye
From the moment your pet wakes up in the morning they are active and busy playing with toys, nibbling on chews and snoozing, so it’s important to keep an eye on their activity and acknowledge if anything changes. During the summer, you may notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, whether that’s them becoming lethargic, panting more, not wanting to eat and so on. If you do notice any change in behaviour and you become concerned, it’s important to get in touch with your vet, just to be on the safe side. Dogs can experience many issues during summer, such as heatstroke or dehydration, so you want to ensure they’re happy and healthy at all times.
Avoid the Car
Taking your dog in the car during summer is sometimes essential if you’re going to a nice location for a walk, but it’s important to avoid the car when necessary. The car can become a very hot, uncomfortable environment for dogs and if you spend too much time in there without a good air flow, they can become unwell. If you do travel in the car, be sure to keep a window open at all times and have water for your dog to access. Never leave your dog in the car alone and avoid going out in the car when it’s not really required, this will just ensure they stay healthy and happy without the added stress of travel.
