Summer Safety Tips for Dogs: Protect Your Pup

As the summer season soon approaches, there are certain arrangements you might make for yourself. Getting the air conditioner fixed or buying a new one, buying summer appropriate clothes or making some other changes in the house to prepare for the weather, are just some of them. While you make these changes for your own convenience, you should not overlook the convenience of your dog. Dogs cannot tolerate higher temperatures and could get severely overheated. To make sure your dog also has a comfortable and tolerable summer, you can follow some tips.

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

The safety tips provided below can make the summer less problematic for your dog:

1. Hydration is Key

It is important your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Dogs can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, and dehydration can be dangerous. You can also provide your dog with a small pool or water fountain to play in and stay cool.

2. Avoid Leaving Your Dog in the Car

Even on a relatively mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to dangerous levels within just a few minutes. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open.

3. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be deadly for dogs, so it's important to know the signs. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs may include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, seek veterinary care immediately. If intensive treatment is required, the cost of the treatment can be covered with the help of dog health insurance*.

4. Apply Sunscreen

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned. Areas particularly vulnerable include the nose, ears, and belly. Use a pet-safe sunscreen to protect your dog's skin from harmful UV rays.

5. Keep Your Dog's Paws Cool

Hot pavement, sand, and asphalt can burn your dog's paw pads. Avoid walking your dog on hot surfaces during the hottest part of the day and consider using boots to protect their paws.

6. Provide Shade

Make sure your dog has access to shade during the hottest part of the day. If you're going to be outside for an extended period, bring a canopy or umbrella to provide shade for your dog.

7. Be Careful with Water

Swimming is a great way for dogs to cool off, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. Always supervise your dog when they're in or near water and use a life vest if necessary.

8. Watch for Poisonous Plants

Summer is a great time for gardening, but it's important to be aware of the plants that are toxic to dogs. Some common plants that are toxic to dogs include lilies, azaleas, and sago palms. Keep your dog away from these plants and consider using a pet-friendly pest control product.

9. Avoid Bug Bites

Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can all be a problem in the summer. Use a pet-safe bug repellent to help protect your dog from bites and infestations. Routinely check your dog for ticks after spending time outdoors.

10. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Despite being careful as much as you can, accidents can happen. Be prepared by having a first aid kit for your dog and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Why are Summers Intolerable for Dogs?

At times you might wonder why your dog is panting with its mouth open and the tongue out during summers? The underlying reason is that dogs do not have sweat pores like humans do. So, there is no other to way adjust to the heat than by panting. Panting allows cool air to flow into their body, thus regulating the body temperature. Apart from the tips given above, you can follow these additional tips as well:

1. Feed them cooler foods such as watermelon and cucumber along with their regular food.
2. Do not feed them excessive amount of meat as it could generate more body heat.
3. Do not let them out during peak hours of summer.
4. If the room is air conditioned, make sure the temperature is appropriate so that your dog does not develop a cold.
5. If your dog requires grooming, do not go for an extensive haircut, as the fur protects them from the heat.
6. Avail of pet insurance for dogs, which covers vet visits and any medical procedures that might be prescribed to them*.

Conclusion

With these tips, you can make your dog’s summer a little more tolerable and fun without the risk of it going through any heat-related problems. To be on the safe side, make sure you opt for a pet insurance policy for you dog, which provides all-round medical coverage for vet visits, tests, and even medical procedures which it might have to undergo*.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.