Are you taking your pup on a summer vacation soon? Or maybe you’re planning a fun doggy beach day trip? When it gets super hot outside, dogs need to stay safe and healthy.
That’s why we’ve researched some tried and true tips to help you keep your best furry friend safe this summer. Keep reading to learn more!
Beat the Heat
- Know Your Pup: Knowing the breed of your dog is super helpful when keeping them safe from the heat. Dogs like Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, or other dogs that are brachycephalic have a much harder time soaking up the sun - their snouts are short and small, which means they are unable to pant as efficiently as longer-nosed breeds. It is also always a good idea to know if your pup has any seasonal sensitivities. Check out our Itch and Allergy Chews, formulated to alleviate your dog’s seasonal skin-related, dietary, or environmental sensitivities while also boosting their immune and digestive health.
- Watch the Feetsies: Ever walk barefoot on hot asphalt during the summer months? Ouch! Your pup feels the same way. Be mindful of where your dog’s paws are stepping - prolonged exposure to super hot surfaces can potentially burn their feet (that includes super duper hot sand!). If you and your pup are hanging out in the yard, try out a kiddy pool filled with water to cool off your pup’s paws and coat.
- H2O: This is a big one! Your dog should always have access to cool, fresh water, especially if they are running around outside in the heat. Keep that doggy hydrated!
- Frozen Treats: A frozen, fresh treat might do just the trick to cool down your dog. Watermelon, frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, frozen bananas, and other frozen fruits or veggies are super simple and easy cooling treats you can give your pup in moderation. Always ask your vet first if new foods or treats are safe for your dog before serving. If you’re feeding fresh fruits and veggies, it’s vital to thoroughly wash these kinds of foods beforehand.
- Take a Break: We’re sure your pup loves to run, gallop, and get the zoomies, but make sure you’re keeping up with your dog’s activity. Really hot days combined with lots of exercise can pose a risk of heatstroke, and older dogs who may suffer from joint pain or other medical issues might have a much more difficult time outside in the heat. If your dog is older or just needs a little extra support, try out our Joint Support Chews - specially formulated for dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis, and joint disease.
- Cool Off in the Shade: Air conditioning might become you and your pup’s new bestie during the summer. You can keep your dog inside with the AC to keep cool, or if you’re outside with your dog, try finding your pup a shady spot to cool off under.
- Cars can be Dangerous: If you’re traveling in your car this summer, make sure you are keeping your car cool and you’re not leaving your doggy inside unattended. Leaving your dog inside a closed vehicle on a hot day is a huge threat to their health, and potentially their life, too - never do it! A car can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees in a mere 20 minutes [1]. Bringing essentials like a sunshade, a cooling pad for your dog’s bed or crate, ice packs, a spray bottle filled with cool water, and fresh water is always a good idea when traveling with your furry friend.
- Keep Your Pup Up-to-Date: Make sure you are taking your pup to the vet for their regularly scheduled vaccinations, medications, or other medical needs. Up-to-date vaccinations can keep your pup safe and healthy, especially in the summery outdoors. Check out our Flea and Tick Spray, carefully crafted with pup-safe, mindful ingredients to protect your dog from unwanted creepy crawlers and keep your dog smelling fresh.
- Stay off the Grass!: It’s summertime, so you and your pup are more than likely spending a lot of time outside. Some lawns get treated with chemicals or fertilizers that can be toxic to your dog, so be wary. Some plants and flowers can also pose a threat - click here to check out some dog-friendly plants you can grow in your yard or garden.
Keep Doggy Beach Trips Safe this Summer
- Water Safety: Never push your pooch to go for a swim. Some dogs are like water-obsessed otters, while others are much more cautious. It’s best to know your dog’s preferences before heading out to the surf. Check with a local lifeguard to make sure water conditions are safe (that includes creepy crawler sea creatures like sea lice or jellyfish, and don’t forget strong tides and winds). Click here to learn more about AKC recommended water safety tips.
- Life Vests: Yes! There is such a thing as doggy life vests! If your dog isn’t much of a swimmer, a life vest might be worth looking into, and even if your dog is a speedy ocean connoisseur, a life vest is still a great way to make sure your pup is staying safe out there. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Be Attentive: Don’t leave your pup alone! Dogs unattended either in the water or on land can be very dangerous. Careful supervision is always recommended no matter where you and your dog go.
- Seawater ≠ Fresh Water: Seawater can make your dog sick if they try to drink it. Always bring fresh water with you for your dog, and make sure you are replenishing their supply often. You should also make sure you give your pup a bath or a rinse-off after their beach day - the salt and various minerals in seawater can potentially damage your dog’s shiny coat!
- Fido can get Sunburned, too: Bring some dog-safe sunscreen with you, especially if your dog has short hair, white fur, and/or pink skin. Dogs should have limited exposure to sunshine during the day - you can apply dog-safe sunscreen to your pooch’s ears, nose, and coat.
- Shade, Shade, Shade: If you have a beach umbrella, a tarp, a tent, or an outdoor beach pen, this can be the perfect shady spot for your dog to rest and hide from the sun. Plus, you can keep your dog’s fresh water bowl under a shady spot for easy access.
How do I know if my dog is having a heatstroke or if they’re dehydrated?
Dehydration and heat stroke are always possible threats to your pup if they’re hanging out in the summer heat.
Dehydration symptoms can include:
- Panting- Dry gums and nose
- Thick saliva
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of elasticity in the skin
If your pup seems dehydrated, they may need an electrolyte solution and an emergency vet visit.
Heatstroke symptoms can happen in two stages:
Early Stages -
- Heavy panting- Rapid breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Difficulty maintaining balance
Advanced Stages -
- White or blue gums- Lethargy, unwillingness to move
- Uncontrollable urination or defecation
- Labored, noisy breathing
- Shock
If your pup is showing signs of heatstroke, they may need to be immediately cooled down, an emergency vet visit, fluids, medication, support, and/or oxygen.
Always consult with your veterinarian first if you notice anything abnormal. Ask your vet for the best tips and tricks to keep your dog safe during the summer. Your veterinarian knows best!
We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!
What is your dog’s favorite thing to do during the summer? How do you both beat the heat? Let us know! The Pupgrade community would love to hear from you.
Resources:
- US Department of Commerce, N. O. A. A. (2020, August 28). Heat, autos, and safety. National Weather Service. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/lsx/excessiveheat-automobiles.
- Reisen, J. (2019, May 16). Tips for keeping your dog safe this summer. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/summer-safety-tips-for-dogs-2/.
