There’s no more denying it, summer is officially upon us! It’s time to get outside, soak up some sun, and enjoy the summer weather. Just like you take care of yourself during hot summer months with extra water and sunscreen, it’s important to look after your dog too.
Here are some tips for caring for your dog during the hot and sticky summer months.
Keep Him Hydrated
It’s important to always make sure your pet has a supply of fresh, cool water, especially when temperatures spike. If your pet is older, keep an especially close eye on him—if he gets overheated, he may have trouble breathing. Limit time outside, or find a shaded area he can relax in with a bowl of water nearby.
Avoid Heat Stroke
Don’t let your pup spend the whole day sitting out in the sun. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from heat stroke in extreme heat. If you notice your dog is acting lethargically, vomiting or drooling excessively, he may be overheated. You can also check his mouth to see whether his gums are a healthy pink or a pale white, which is a clear indication of dehydration. If you notice any of these signs, get him to a shaded area, into a small kiddie pool or inside to cool off.
Exercise Safely
Despite the weather, growing pups still need to get rid of excess energy. However, you may want to skip the afternoon walk when the sun is at its highest point and opt for an early morning or evening stroll instead. Waiting until the day cools off a bit can make a big difference. Just be careful of dusk to dawn threats like ticks and fleas, which may be more prevalent in the evenings and early mornings.
Use Sunscreen
You wouldn’t spend the whole day outside without a bit of sunscreen, and the same should go for your dog! Their ears and faces are especially susceptible to sunburn, so if you’re going to be outside for the day, make sure there’s plenty of shade and treat your pup’s ears with a bit of doggy sunscreen. Check out Epi-Pet Sun Protector Skin Treatment Spray, available through Chewy.com.
Summer Grooming
If you have a long-haired dog, consider cutting it a little shorter during the summer. Less hair will help your dog regulate his body temperature and feel more comfortable. Just make sure that you check with your groomer or vet first, as some breeds actually need their long hair to stay cool.
With these helpful tips in mind, there’s no reason that you and your dog can’t enjoy the beautiful summer months ahead of us.
The Dog Trainer College’s comprehensive programs instruct the skills that students need in order to become a professional dog trainer. Our programs use innovative training methods, employ humane means, and will be resourceful to the beginning trainer as well as enhancing a current career.
