There are some surprising aspects to keeping your dog safe and comfortable during the summer.
Summer provides an excellent opportunity to spend more time with your dog. The weather is warming up and dog owners are more willing to get their pups out to the dog park or take them for walks around the neighborhood. Summer is an amazing time to be a dog owner but it also presents some dangers to our furry companions, so keep these tips in mind to help you enjoy a safe summer with your dog.
Keep Pests at Bay
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes spread very dangerous diseases through dogs. Check your records or contact your vet to ensure that your dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations before you start taking it outside, especially if you’ll be visiting dog parks or areas with standing water. Those regular vaccination appointments are a key element of keeping your dog safe and healthy.
Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Dogs can be prone to heatstroke, so it’s important to know the signs so you can counteract it. Watch for panting, heavy drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and wobbling when outside on a hot day with your dog. If your dog shows any of these signs, get them to a vet immediately.
Avoid heatstroke by providing ample water and staying in or near shaded areas that provide some cooling and a break from the sun.
Avoid Walks During the Day
During the hottest months of the year, it’s best to take your dog for a walk in the morning or evening when the heat of the day isn’t at its peak. This will be a more comfortable time for both humans and dogs to walk, as well as the safest.
If you have to walk your dog during the day, bring plenty of cool water and follow a path that offers as much shade as possible. Take breaks if necessary, and protect your pup’s paws if they’ll be walking on asphalt. Dog booties are a great way to protect the pads of your dog’s feet so they don’t get burned from the heat.
Get a Life Vest
If you’re planning on taking your dog out on a boat, be sure to purchase a life vest for them. Test it before you take it out on the water to make sure it’s the right size and is secure. Even if you’re convinced your dog won’t jump out of the boat, any number of things could happen that result in your dog ending up in the water. The life vest will keep them afloat and make them visible so they’re easy to grab and don’t have to paddle to keep their head above water.
Use Sunscreen
Dogs can get sunburn just like humans, so if you’re planning a long day out in the sun then it’s essential to make sure you have sunscreen available for your dog. There are dog-specific sunscreens that should be applied to areas that are not well-protected by their fur coat such as their belly, ears, and nose. If you have a hairless dog or a dog with thin, fine fur, apply it everywhere to keep them protected from the sun’s rays. Follow the directions and reapply as often as it says to do so to ensure full effectiveness.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.