Dealing with the summer heat can be an arduous task for you alone, but dealing with an animal in the mix can be a whole different ballgame. It’s the best time of the year to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend; hikes, camping trips, backyard barbecues.
However, it comes with a set of variables that can be quite hazardous if not approached correctly. As the heats are rising, new plants are growing, and a lot more people are out and about, the seasonal change can become daunting.
However, it comes with a set of variables that can be quite hazardous if not approached correctly. As the heats are rising, new plants are growing, and a lot more people are out and about, the seasonal change can become daunting.
Preventing Dehydration
First and foremost, preventing your dog from becoming dehydrated. Especially in the summer months, ensure that you have an active source of fresh water that is kept cool.
A great recommendation is to use a BPA free, stainless steel bottle that will not produce any harmful chemicals for your pet while getting warmer.
Bottles with the bowl attached to the nozzle are a great, quick water retrieval option for dogs. They’re quick and easy to use, especially for medium to smaller dogs in short outdoor trips. They do not contain a lot of water, but are quick and simple fixes for someone on the go.
The other option i would recommend is a Gulpy Water Dispenser. It’s a quick and easy water bottle/bowl hybrid, that contains a significant amount of water. It’s much harder to hold in hand, but is great for longer trips, bigger dogs, and to have a mobile “bowl.”
First and foremost, preventing your dog from becoming dehydrated. Especially in the summer months, ensure that you have an active source of fresh water that is kept cool.
A great recommendation is to use a BPA free, stainless steel bottle that will not produce any harmful chemicals for your pet while getting warmer.
Bottles with the bowl attached to the nozzle are a great, quick water retrieval option for dogs. They’re quick and easy to use, especially for medium to smaller dogs in short outdoor trips. They do not contain a lot of water, but are quick and simple fixes for someone on the go.
The other option i would recommend is a Gulpy Water Dispenser. It’s a quick and easy water bottle/bowl hybrid, that contains a significant amount of water. It’s much harder to hold in hand, but is great for longer trips, bigger dogs, and to have a mobile “bowl.”
PREVENTING FLEAS AND TICKS
Another important step is to prevent other life from taking advantage of your animal. Fleas and ticks can become a major concern in the summer months.
You can actively prevent both of these from becoming a problem by running through your pets fur after each outing - hikes, playing with other dogs, walking through brush and high grass. However, for a higher guarantee of prevention, talk to your veterinarian, or go to a local, qualified pet store about preventative measures.
You will find an assortment of options that suit your need - from collars and pills, to topical liquids.
OTHER NOTEWORTHY PESTS Make sure to actively freshen your dogs water, and be aware of which bowls/sources they drink from. Standing water can contain parasites and bacteria - some of which are (rarely) transferable to humans.
Another important step is to prevent other life from taking advantage of your animal. Fleas and ticks can become a major concern in the summer months.
You can actively prevent both of these from becoming a problem by running through your pets fur after each outing - hikes, playing with other dogs, walking through brush and high grass. However, for a higher guarantee of prevention, talk to your veterinarian, or go to a local, qualified pet store about preventative measures.
You will find an assortment of options that suit your need - from collars and pills, to topical liquids.
OTHER NOTEWORTHY PESTS Make sure to actively freshen your dogs water, and be aware of which bowls/sources they drink from. Standing water can contain parasites and bacteria - some of which are (rarely) transferable to humans.
IDENTIFYING HEAT STROKE & ITS PREVENTION
If you’re hot, so are they. In temperatures of above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is crucial to employ strategies for identifying and preventing your beloved, furry friend from being harmed.
Heat stroke can often be identified with a rise in temperature, elevated heart rate, sudden collapse, heavy drooling, anxious expressions, and reddened eyes. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, and can even be life threatening - if your dog is elderly or overweight, it is important to be even more cautious.
Always keep a rag on hand; you can simply wet the rag with your cool water bottles and lay it on their underside. This is a quick prevention method that can be taken intermittently. There are also cooling mats and vests if you’d like to be a bit more diligent, yet less cost-effective.
If you’re hot, so are they. In temperatures of above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is crucial to employ strategies for identifying and preventing your beloved, furry friend from being harmed.
Heat stroke can often be identified with a rise in temperature, elevated heart rate, sudden collapse, heavy drooling, anxious expressions, and reddened eyes. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, and can even be life threatening - if your dog is elderly or overweight, it is important to be even more cautious.
Always keep a rag on hand; you can simply wet the rag with your cool water bottles and lay it on their underside. This is a quick prevention method that can be taken intermittently. There are also cooling mats and vests if you’d like to be a bit more diligent, yet less cost-effective.
GROOMING
In the summertime, your animals grooming needs will increase exponentially. You can use a brush to identify fleas, ticks, hot spots, irritations, and many more summertime problems.
DO NOT over groom. Your dogs coat is designed to cool them properly. Over trimming may be the equivalent of removing their own, built-in cooling system. The coat will also help prevent the parasite, flea and tick problem. Depending on coat length and color, also be prepared to look into a safe sunscreen for your dog as well.
In the summertime, your animals grooming needs will increase exponentially. You can use a brush to identify fleas, ticks, hot spots, irritations, and many more summertime problems.
DO NOT over groom. Your dogs coat is designed to cool them properly. Over trimming may be the equivalent of removing their own, built-in cooling system. The coat will also help prevent the parasite, flea and tick problem. Depending on coat length and color, also be prepared to look into a safe sunscreen for your dog as well.
QUICK TIPS:
- Be aware of places that may contain herbicides, pesticides and compost piles; these are all hazardous to your dog. Simply even walking on them.
- Do not be afraid to speak with your veterinarian about whether or not your dog has been poisoned. (Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking, tremors, and more)
- Be on the look out for foxtails - for further information follow the link (https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/foxtail-grass-and-your-dog#1)
- Enjoy your time with your dog. It’s a special time of year that may seem fleeting to you, but can really help continue your bond with your animal as you adventure together.
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