Summer safety isn’t just for humans. Your dog may want to enjoy being outdoors in the summer, but you need to watch out for summer safety hazards that could put your pooch at risk. Here are some things you should watch out for this summer in order to protect your dog.
Dehydration
Dogs can get dehydrated just like people do, so make sure you always keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog to drink. Change it daily to prevent algae growth and encourage your pet to drink more. Skip the metal bowls for drinking because they can get too hot in the sun. Instead, use sturdy plastic ones.
Sunburn
Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned, too. Make sure you limit your pooch’s time in the sunshine to avoid sunburn, especially if your pet has light coloured hair. Apply sunscreen to your dog’s ears and other vulnerable spots, but only use a pet-friendly sunblock that can’t be licked off.
If your pet spends most of its time outdoors, make sure he has a shady spot to stay out of the sun. If you go for walks, make sure the pavement isn’t too hot, or it could burn your dog’s paws and lead to painful blisters.
Hot Cars
Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures during the summer, so don’t leave your dog in a parked car, no matter how quickly you’ll think that you’ll return. Your dog could overheat and even die from this intense heat, so don’t risk it. If you can’t take your dog inside with you, leave him at home.
Poisons
Being outdoors can lead curious dogs to ingest things that they shouldn’t, like toxic plants, weed killers, and charcoal that might be lying around after a summer barbecue. Keep an eye on your dog and keep dangerous items out of his reach for safety’s sake.