Five Summer Hazards for Dogs

Dogs face several unique risks during the summertime. The heat sets them up for more than just a little fun in the sun. It actually creates dangers that can injure or kill them.

Summer Hazard #1 - Drowning

Although dogs can swim, they can drown if they get overtired or forget how to climb out. For this reason, it's important that you watch your pet dog as he plays in the pool or lake. Be sure he's not wearing down from swimming all day or panicking because he's lost. Also, if he's been swimming for more than 30-minutes, pull him out for a break. Sit down with your dog and take a load off.

Summer Hazard #2 - Breathing Problems

Certain breeds of dogs develop respiratory problems in the heat. They are normally breeds with pushed in faces like Pugs, Lhasa Apsos and English Bulldogs. Too much heat will cut off their air and possibly lead to death. So keep dogs like these inside with the AC blowing on hot days. If your dog is the type who'll go stir crazy, take him out early in the morning for a long walk or un when the temperature is cool.

Summer Hazard #3 - Flea Bites

The number of parasites that can attack your dog multiply during the summer. This is especially true of fleas. When do they strike most? In most areas other than the South, fleas are at their highest during August and September. So, it's during this time that you'll want to give your dog treatments for fleas. It'll keep him healthy and comfortable.

Summer Hazard #4 - Poison Ingestion

Did you know that things like oil smell sweet to dogs? Why is this a risk in the summer? It is during this time that people tend to work on their car outdoors and spill car oil and other auto related products on the car port. If your dog licks this up, he'll get sick. So be sure to clean up after yourself. Also, on long walks around the neighbor, stay alert. Pull him away from the areas with unknown substances covering it.

Summer Hazard #5 - Heat Stroke

Dogs don't have a lot of ways to cool themselves down. So, if you leave them outside in the heat or in a hot car, they can easily succumb to heat stroke. Therefore, before the weather heats up, build them a cool shelter that they can access by themselves. Also, make a decision to leave your dog in the comfort of your cool home on hot days. These two things will help keep your dog keep a normal temperature on hot days.

Help your dog avoid these five summer hazards and he will stay safe throughout the summer.

SOURCE: The Complete Healthy Dog Book by Betsy Brevitz