39 Dog Care Tips - Part 4/4

Summer Care Tips

30. Keep your dog cool

Dogs don’t sweat like us. Instead of sweating all over their body as humans do, they sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to release heat. Giving your dogs access to shade and a way to cool down like a kiddie pool filled with water or ice as a great way to allow your dogs to safely enjoy the outdoors in warmer months. Monitor them closely during hot weather and bring them inside if they are panting excessively to prevent heat stroke, stress, and dehydration. .

 31. Provide them with a constant water source

Dehydration is incredibly dangerous to dogs and can happen quickly. Make sure your dog has easy access to clean, fresh water throughout the day both indoors and outdoors. Take note if they are panting excessively, lose interest in eating, or have a dry nose. Be sure to reach out to your vet if you notice these or any other unusual behavior from your dog during heat waves.

32. Avoid Toxic Algae

Algae, if ingested, can be harmful and in some cases fatal for dogs. It’s tempting to take your dog to the pond or lake during the hot summertime, but always check with your local Parks and Recreation department for any environmental warnings about toxic algae, water treatments, or harmful pesticides in and around the water first.

33. Watch their feet

Dog’s paw pads are sensitive to heat and can be burned when walking on hot surfaces. If you can’t comfortably place your bare hand or foot on the hot ground outside, the surface is too hot for your dog to walk on. In these cases, opt for grass, dirt, or covered paths when taking your dog out.

34. Never leave your dog in the car

The inside temperature of a car can quickly become hazardous or even fatal to your dog. Never leave them unsupervised in your car, even with the windows cracked, as they can easily succumb to heatstroke. Even when the temperature is only 70 degrees outside your car will be over 100 degrees in 20 minutes. Cars can reach fatal temperatures in minutes in the summer.

Dog Safety

35. Never let your dog ride in the back of your truck

Approximately 100,000 dogs die from riding in the flatbed of a truck each year, whether this is from falling out of the truck bed or being hit by debris. This does not account for the many others injured in other types of vehicles. Please keep your dog inside the car with you, ideally restrained in some way. Depending on your dog's size, temperament, or the length of your drive you can safely keep your dog in a crate or carrier as long as it is secure and cannot slide around your car in the event of a sharp turn or accident. Alternately, you can keep your dog safe by buying them a seat belt attachment that buckles directly to their harness which would keep them securely in the seat. If you have any questions about where is safest for your specific dog to ride in the car you can always consult your veterinarian.

36. Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times

You never know how important an ID tag is until you become separated from your dog. Take the time to have an ID tag made up with your phone number, dog’s name, and vet’s phone number. Make sure this information is kept up to date.

37. Microchip your dog

Accidents happen and dogs can get loose from their collars. If your dog gets lost but is microchipped, a veterinary hospital or animal shelter will scan all found pets for microchips and can look up your personal information and get in contact with you if your dog has one. In the worst-case scenario, a microchip will also prove ownership of your dog if they were stolen. They are inexpensive, and as painless and easy as giving a vaccine.

38. Keep your dog on a leash at all times when in public

Even the most obedient dog may take off running if they see another dog, human, or animal. Be responsible and keep your dog leashed in public places to avoid losing your dog or having any accidents or injuries such as dog fights, vehicle impacts, or other physical harm.

39. Consult your veterinarian before trying new foods or medications

Diet or medication changes can cause several health issues for your pet if not done properly or with the instruction of your vet. You know your pet best and want to give them the best food, supplements, and necessary medical treatment possible. The best way to do that is to consult your veterinary team about any changes you’d like to make and why. That way your vet can make sure you’ve got a safe product and plan, as well as note the change in your pet’s medical records in the event your dog ever gets sick or injured, your vet will have the most accurate up to date information on your pets health and lifestyle.