Summer Safety Tips for Dogs
Summer can be a great time to go out and have fun and bonding with your dog, but there are a few things to watch out for. Higher temperatures mean higher risks for our furry friends - more injuries, more skin and ear infections, and a possibility of a heat stroke. Pets do not sweat in the same way humans do and can easily become overheated.
1. Mind your playtime and walking hours
If you have a dog, walk and exercise your pup only in the early morning and late evening. Never do it in the middle of the day. When outside, take breaks in the shade and have water available.
2. Keep parasite off
Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are at their peak in the summer. They carry tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme or Bartonella that can put your pet at risk. Ask your vet for the appropriate medical prescriptions.
3. Provide plenty of fresh water
Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during the summer. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive drooling. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water inside the house and bring a bottle of water when going outside.
4. Food hygiene
Dog food is easily fermented, deteriorated during summer and it can cause food poisoning. Therefore, give your dog appropriate amount of food. Throw away any leftover and also clean and sanitize your dog's food/water bowls regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
5. Don’t shave your pet
You might think shaving your dog for the summer is the best solution to overheating. But a pet's coat is naturally designed to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter. Feel free to trim the fur on your pet in the summer, but never shave. Be sure to leave at least a full inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburns.
Dogs don't need to wear shoes, it will be inconvenient for them to walk with shoes on, and wearing some airtight shoes in summer will also cause dogs to have eczema, and damp paws can easily cause fungal infections!
7. Never leave your pet in the car
The temperature in the car is extremely high during summer and can quickly rise to dangerous, life-threatening levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 55°C to 77.8°C when it’s 26.6°C to 37.8°C outside.”
8. Avoid strenuous exercise
Avoid strenuous exercise during extremely hot days & keep the sessions short. The same goes for days with high humidity. For those really hot days check out some simple activities to keep your dog busy indoors.
In summer, the surface temperature of the ground can be as high as 55°C, it is very important to protect their paws!
LOMI multi-functional healing balm protects, moisturizes their paws, prevents dryness, cracking, and heals mosquito bites! Five natural ingredients, alcohol and fragrance free, safe to lick.
