Summer Dog Care

Yes, It is summertime! Time to run and play outside in the sunshine. Summer dog care is very important. Before you leash up and take off here are some summer precautions to be aware of. For a happy and healthy dog this summer follow these simple guidelines. We hope you find our page on summer dog care helpful.

Summer is great but the heat can be dangerous to your dog. Especially if you are out driving and running errands with your best buddy in the car. It only takes a few minutes for your car to reach deadly temperatures for your dog in the summer. Even if you park in the shade the inside of your car can reach temperatures above 110 degrees. Leaving the window cracked open is still not assurance that your dog will be safe. A parked car with the windows down can still be too hot for your dog. Your dog can not prespire and can only get rid of heat through panting and through their paw pads. If the air they are taking in is too hot (as in a parked car) then panting doesn't work very well and the dog overheats. Heat is the most dangerous aspect on our summer dog care page. Even if you are only going to be gone a couple of minutes, your dog could suffer heat stroke, heat exhaustion, brain damage and even death. Play it safe and leave him home or bring him to Dogs In Paradise Dog Day Care where he can romp and play with his playmates all day in an indoor, cageless, climate controlled playground. Don't take any chances with your beloved dog this summer. Let us take the summer dog care responsibility off of your shoulders. If you are out and see a pet in a car in the summer please go to the store manager or someone in charge nearby. If the owner does not return quickly, call the local shelter, humane society or police immediately. You could save their lives.

Make sure your pet ALWAYS has access to clean fresh water. If your dog is outside make sure you change the water frequently and keep it in the coolest, shadiest location. If your dog is alone inside make sure their water is in a location that is not where the sunshine comes in. Sunshine through a window can heat up their water and can also evaporate it.

I know you have seen it many times and although it looks fun it is very dangerous and in some places illegal, to ride with your dog in the back of a pickup truck. If you have to hit your brakes your dog can be thrown around or out of the truck. Also there is the chance he could be hit by flying debris. Just the other day I saw a mirror someone had on the top of their car come flying off on the highway. Just imagine if that hit your dog. It is much safer to have your dog secured in the cab of your truck in a crate or doggie seat belt harness. It is fine to have your dog in the bed of the truck if he is in a secured crate that is protected from flying debris.

Do I have to consider summer dog care if I am travelling to a cooler climate? Yes, If you plan on traveling with your dog this summer, make your travel plans to include his well being. Even if it is cooler where you are going it is still hot where you are taking off and returning. Make sure you consider all aspects of your travel before making arrangements. Talk to the airlines about special accommodations for your pet. Most trains and ships do not allow pets other than service pets. Consider putting your dog in a kennel or overnight boarding if you can not make safe travel arrangements for him. Contact your local Humane Society for information on travelling with your pet.

Summer dog care includes not taking your dog to crowded areas such as carnivals, fairs or concerts. They are loud and your pet can become fearful not to mention the chance of heat exhaustion. Loud noises can give your dog anxiety so be very careful of events that have fireworks or very loud noises. Leave your buddy home where he is cool and calm or bring him in to Dogs In Paradise. Your pet will thank you.

Add fleas and ticks to your summer dog care list. Use only flea and tick preperations recommended by your veterinarian. Some over the counter medications can be harmful to your dog. Check with your veterinarian for the best time in your area to start treating for fleas. Flea season is different in many areas.

Heartworm is another threat for your dog in the summertime. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal to your dog. Talk to your vet about heartworm prevention.

Take care when walking your dog. Asphalt and sidewalks can get extremely hot during the summer months and can burn the pads on your dog's feet. If you are exercising your dog do it in the early morning or late evening.

Your dog can get sunburned just like you. You can apply sunscreen to your pets nose and tops of his ears. Light colored dogs or dogs with light noses are susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

Because summer heat is so dangerous to your dog you should know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These signs are panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. If you notice these signs you need to immediately lower your dog's body temperature. Move your pet to a shady area and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Get your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Pools are great and dogs love to swim! If you have a pool make sure it is securely covered if you leave your pet alone in the pool area. A dog could accidently fall in and not be able to get back out.

Dangerous plants lurk in your yard, house and along walkways where you walk your dog. We wanted to include these plants on our summer dog care page but it was too long. We have linked to that list at the USHS site. This is a list of the plants that can cause reactions in your pet from the website of the Humane Society of the US.

View the list of poisionous plants here

I hope this page on summer dog care helps you to enjoy the summer with your dog and keep him safe at the same time.

Caring For Your Dog Caring For Your Dog In The Winter

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