Summer is when everyone spends more time outdoors, including our furry friends. With additional time spent out of the home, naturally, there are increased risks of the unexpected happening. Since our four-footed friends are a part of our families, we all want to make sure they are taken care of while enjoying the outdoors. Here are three ways to ensure your pup has safe fun in the sun.
Ensure their overall health.
Since dogs tend to be outside much more in the summer, it is essential to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Vaccinations are especially necessary if they run the chance of interacting with other animals.
Be sure to keep dogs off of lawns that have been treated with chemicals. If you’re not sure, they probably shouldn’t be on the lawn. (Many people don’t appreciate strange dogs on their nicely manicured lawn!) Keep them away from toxic plants and flowers, since these could make them sick.
Protect them against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. There are different methods of repellant and protection, so be sure to ask your veterinarian what they recommend. Not only are these pesky insects annoying, but they can carry diseases or heartworm.
Practice safe traveling procedures.
Many dogs love to go for a ride in a vehicle. Always carry an empty bowl and water with you in case your dog needs a drink. If your furry companion travels in a crate, make sure it’s ventilated and consider putting ice packs wrapped in towels in the crate to help keep the temperature cool.
If you are traveling the country in an RV, be sure that your pup is in a secure area that will protect him from sudden stops. A crate or a doggy seat belt works well for RV road trips. If you go exploring and leave your dog in the RV, always leave a vent or window cracked, even if the generator and air-conditioner are running.
While away from home, never leave your dog in the open unattended, even if he is on a leash or tie-out system. Not only does this leave him susceptible to any number of circumstances, but it leaves him in the open for anyone to interact with him. If he becomes scared or threatened, he may react negatively towards someone, and that is never a good situation. Although no one likes to think that their little Fido could cause anyone harm, a severe dog bite could occur, and that would not be good news for anyone.
Stay cool at home.
There are some great ways to help your dog stay cool at home while having tons of fun. Who said only grown-ups can celebrate summer?
Always be sure your dog has access to a cool, shady spot when outdoors, and they should always have fresh water available. If you want to crank up the fun, consider filling a child-sized wading pool of water to play in.
Avoid strenuous exercise, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Take walks in the early morning or evenings when it is cooler, and avoid that game of fetch if it’s too hot.