Pet Owners: Summertime Safety for Your Dog

Summer is the perfect time to romp outdoors with your four-legged best friend. But keeping your dog safe and healthy when temperatures soar can be challenging. Whether you are playing, walking, or traveling with your dog this summer there are some things you should consider to keep your pooch safe as the temperatures rise.

If your dog stays outside full time or spends lots of time outside with you, the most important thing he needs to stay healthy is fresh water. Make sure your dog always has access to a clean water source while spending time outside. Even though he will probably be content to drink whatever stagnant water is lying around, bacteria and organisms in standing water, pond water, and puddles can cause illness.

If you're lounging around outside, make sure your dog has some shade to lay in to get out of the sun. If your dog primarily lives outside, make sure his living area has some source of shade throughout the day as the sun shifts. Dogs don't sweat and can only cool themselves by panting so getting out of the sun is important to keep him cool.

All dogs need and love to take walks daily. In the summer, morning and evening walks are better for your dog as they keep him (and you) out of the mid-day heat. Asphalt and pavement get very hot during the day and can cause burns and blisters on your dog's feet. Walking when the sun has not yet had a chance to heat the pavement, or after it has had a chance to cool, will ensure that your dog's feet will not become injured from the intense heat.

The beach and the pool are great places to spend time with your dog in the summer. Many dogs enjoy swimming and romping in the sand but salt water and chlorine can be irritating to your dog's skin just like a person's. After your dog has been swimming in saltwater or chlorine it is best to give him a quick bath, or even a hose down with fresh water will wash away any possible irritants and keep his coat healthy.

Summer is the prime travel season and many people opt to travel with their dogs. When traveling always remember never to leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The inside of your car becomes stifling hot in minutes, even with the windows cracked, and many dogs die every summer because their owners left them in the car.

Dogs love to ride with their heads out the window although it many not always be the best idea. Small particles and flying debris can easily injure your dog wile traveling down the road at high speed. Strong wind can also irritate your dog's eyes and ears if his head stays out the window for extended periods of time. Cracking your windows enough so that your dog can still experience all the smells as you travel but not get his whole head out the window is a better alternative.

When traveling, make sure you stop regularly so you and your dog can stretch and make sure your dog has ID tags on at all times. Embroidering your dog's information right on his collar is a good way to make sure that his information will be available if he is lost and his tags fall off. Micro chipping and tattooing also increase the chances that your dog will be returned if he is lost, especially far from home.

Heartworms, ticks, and fleas are the most bothersome during the summer months so make sure that your dog is on preventative medication. Regular baths with flea and tick shampoo will further eliminate the annoyance of fleas and ticks and help to keep your dog and your family safe from tick borne diseases. As summer progresses, remember to provide lots of water, travel safely, and most importantly, have lots of fun with your dog!