Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Summer is here and it’s a great time to be outside especially if you bring your dog with you. The weather is perfect for a romp at the dog park, long walks, hiking, and just playing in your backyard. As with all things, there are always safety tips you need to keep in mind to ensure nothing can put a damper on you or your dog’s Summer. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe when enjoying the Summer weather.

Hydrate

Anytime you are outside at home or even exploring a hiking trail with your dog you should have fresh water with you and a collapsible travel bowl. Dogs can expend a lot of energy and remember that they have fur coats so they can get hot pretty fast, especially if they’re a breed with a Winter coat! Always offer water periodically or anytime you see them panting excessively. If you keep a water bowl outside in your backyard, be sure to change it every day. There’s no telling what other critters or even bugs can get into it when you’re not out there.

Stay Secured

Always keep your dog secured in the car while traveling and make sure their harness, collar, and leash are properly secured when outdoors. When a dog breaks loose, they can easily outrun you and if you have roads nearby or other risk factors, it can be so dangerous for a loose dog. When driving, ensure your dog can’t distract you and always keep them buckled in. If you get in an accident, your dog can become airborne, or if it’s not hooked in it could run off and away from the accident scene out of fear and trauma.

Look for Danger

If you have a small dog, be aware of what’s in the sky. The tiniest of dogs can be looked at as a meal from birds of prey. I’m not trying to scare you but it’s a legitimate thing that has happened before. Also check surroundings especially in wooded areas for any predatory animals, any trash your dog could ingest, and any dangerous plants like poison or thorns. If you’re approaching a body of water make sure it’s not excessively high with a fast current. And of course, even in your own backyard or at a local dog park, be aware of surroundings with other dogs and other people. It’s just common sense!

Know the Plants

If you are going somewhere where your dog could potentially ingest a poisonous plant, flower, or mushroom, you need to be able to recognize them before you allow your dog in that area. There are plenty of things out there that are toxic to dogs so it’s best to keep your dog secured on a lead so you can pull them back from eating something you aren’t sure about. It will save you a scary expensive trip to the emergency vet!

If you keep these few tips in mind, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Summer for you and your dog!

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