Preparing Your Dog for Summer

With the summer season in almost full effect, it's important to ensure your dog is prepared for the months ahead. Many dog owners enjoy getting their dog out of the house to play Frisbee, go on walks, and enjoy the summer air. But the summer heat can be particularly hard on your pup when certain precautions aren't taken. To avoid things like heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburns, and heat stroke, make sure you take the necessary steps to keep your dog cool on hot or humid days.

Read below for some tips on how to keep your dog cool during the summer months:

• Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh drinking water at all times, and store the water in a cool place, whether it be somewhere in the house or in a shady area of the backyard.
• Do not over exercise your dog during the hottest times of day. If you want to take your dog for a walk or run or to the dog park, do so early in the morning or early or late in the evening.
• If you need to leave your dog outside, make sure he has access to a cool shady area. Exposure to too much sun can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Do not leave your dog in the car for any reason. Cars heat up very quickly in the summer months, with the temperature rising to as much as 120 degrees. Leave your dog at home in your air conditioned house or in a backyard with shade. If you need to bring your dog on errands with you, try to leave the car on with the air conditioner running while you go inside.
• Make sure your dog isn't forced to stand on hot cement, metal or sand, as this can burn and blister their paws.  

Summer is synonymous with relaxation and fun, so do not cheat yourself or your pooch from enjoying the outdoors. Just make sure you keep in mind the above tips and plan ahead to avoid letting the heat or humidity get you or your dog down.

For more information on what you can do to protect your dog from heatstroke and other heat-related conditions, click here to find a veterinarian near you who can provide you with this information.