How to Care for your Dog in those Hot Summer Months

Everyone loves summer - the sun, the warmth, and the fresh air. Everyone wants to spend more time outside during the warmer months, and chances are your dog does, too. Here are some tips on how to care for your dog during those hot summer months.

First, consider the heat. If you are hot, chances are your dog is too. Dogs can get sick from heat stroke the same as their human owners can. Try to stay inside where it is cool during the hottest part of the day. Save walks and exercise for mornings or evenings when it is cooler. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure that he has plenty of shade or a doghouse where he can cool off. Never leave your dog inside a parked car - temperatures inside a car can soar in a matter of minutes. Use common sense - if you would not do something yourself or let you child do it because of the heat - you should not let your dog do it either.

Remember your fluids - as the temperatures soar so does you and your dog’s need to stay hydrated. Make sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water available at all times. If you are traveling with your dog make sure that you take water with you. It is also handy to carry a travel dish with you for extended walks or trips to the park. If your dog spends a lot of time alone outdoors, make sure that he has at least two water sources in different locations. That way, if one gets tipped over and spills, he still has an alternative supply. If your dog plays with his dishes, consider getting heavy ceramic ones that he cannot tip or a trough like is used for livestock.

Watch out for pests! As the weather warms up, the bugs start to multiply. Summertime is prime season for disease-carrying pests. Make sure that your dog is current on heartworm and flea preventative and gets regular stool checks for intestinal parasites. If you live or travel to wooded areas where there are ticks, talk to your vet about getting a Lyme disease vaccination for your dog.

Be aware of other animals. Just as your dog is out more, so will other animals in the neighborhood. This will include other dogs, cats, and wildlife. Keep a close eye on your dog when out walking to prevent a dash in front of car while chasing a squirrel. Watch out for skunks after dark to prevent a stinky encounter. With the increased activity in the neighborhood, your dog may be more tempted to wander off. Take precautions to make sure that backyards are fenced in with no gaps in the fencing or underneath it, gates are shut, and that your dog uses a leash when out away from the home.

Make sure that you know the signs to watch for during the summer months. If a dog’s rectal temperature is above 105 degrees, he is in danger of developing heat stroke. If you are unable to take his temperature, looking for heavy panting, dark red gums (though this may be difficult to tell if your dog has a black mouth) and he might feel warm to the touch. Soak him in cold water and get him to a vet as soon as possible for treatment.

Be aware of tempting cool down places in your neighborhood. Dogs may be encouraged to jump into pools or ponds to cool off, and then not know how to get out and drown. If they are without water, they may be tempted to drink antifreeze or other dangerous liquids in an attempt to hydrate. Take the appropriate precautions to make sure that your yard is safe.

Prepare for the worst. Unfortunately, as the weather turns nicer, some pets become more inclined to roam away from home to investigate the great outdoors. Make sure that your dog has identification tags on and that the information is current. You might also want to consider getting your dog micro-chipped. Keep a current photo of your dog on hand to be able to duplicate in the case you need to make fliers.

With just a little preparation, both you and your dog will be ready for summer fun!