How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Summer Dangers

It goes without saying that in order for your dog to have a long, happy and healthy life he needs proper care and love. Regular veterinary check ups go a long way in preventative treatment for your dog. Healthy dog food and a safe place to live are also key elements in a recipe for a great life. There are specific things in veterinary care, as well as home care that you need to take into consideration in the hot and humid summer months. Here are a few tips to ensure your dog has a great summer.

Fleas are a big problem in the warmer months and can not only bother your dog, but invade your house. Protect your dog and your home with a simple flea treatment that can last all summer long. Topical preparations, like Frontline Top Spot, are applied directly to your dog's skin in an ointment formula. The treatment then travels all over your dog's body and not only prevents fleas from living there but also sterilizes them so that even if they jump off, they will no longer be able to reproduce. This product also has an added benefit of staying on even through baths, provided you wait at least 3 days after application. It also keeps ticks at bay, which all but eliminates serious blood-born diseases carried by these pests. There are, of course, multiple products on the market like this, some even deflect mosquitoes.

Speaking of mosquitoes - the same pests that make us itch can be fatal to your dog. One bite can pass on deadly microfilaria that leads to heartworms. If caught early enough, heartworms are treatable but at great expense to your dog's health. Many dogs do not survive the harsh treatment. Simply treating your dog to prevent mosquito bites isn't enough. A monthly supplement available from your veterinarian can prevent those mosquito bites from turning into a fatal disease. Especially important when mosquitoes are most prevalent, it is advisable to maintain preventative treatment all year long.

Even if your dog is primarily an indoor dog be mindful of the temperatures while they are running around in the backyard. Make sure there are shaded areas for your dog to rest in and provide plenty of water if he will be out for more then an hour. Take longer walks with your dog in the early morning or evening hours to prevent overheating. Reserve the afternoon trips for quick potty breaks rather then running around and becoming dehydrated. If you notice that your dog is very warm and listless after being outside, call your veterinarian immediately. Some breeds do well to have a summer trimming at the groomer but be advised that a hair cut too short will expose sensitive skin, and just like us dogs can get sunburned!

Keep in mind summer dangers such as swimming pools, open gates and lawn treatments. Dogs may attempt to cool off in your swimming pool, not realizing how deep it is and not be able to get back out. Kids may leave doors or gates open allowing your dog access to the unprotected great outdoors. Be sure to remind everyone to close doors and gates behind them and make sure your dog always has on a collar with an easy to read and up-to-date ID tag. Always remember that dogs, like children, should not be out in the yard while you are mowing or doing any sort of garden care that uses machinery. Keep all of your garden treatments (fertilizers, etc.) up and away from a curious dog. Most chemicals will make your dog ill and too much can be fatal. If you suspect your dog has gotten into a chemical call your veterinarian immediately and bring the container with you. Knowing the exact preparation will make it easier for the doctors to figure out exactly what they need to help your dog.

You should never leave your dog alone in a car under any circumstances but it is especially important in the summer. A car left in the shade on a 78 degree day can exceed 90 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with a cracked window. That same car parked in the sun can hit an unbelievable 160 degrees. Leaving a dog in the car with the engine running is not a safe option either. A/c malfunctions, including the a/c suddenly blowing warm air or turning off altogether, can leave your dog in the same danger as he would be in had you not left the air on at all. And with more and more fancy computerized switches in cars it's possible for a dog to change the settings on the air controls by merely bumping into them.

A few simple tricks, preventative measures and carefulness will ensure that your dog has a happy and healthy summer with many more to follow. Make sure they get their preventative treatments from the veterinarian and that you adhere to the applications at home. Keep them safe from summer dangers and watch the temperatures while they play. It's your responsibility as a pet owner to keep them healthy and safe. Arm yourself with the knowledge to do so and you'll have a great friend for all your hard work.