Summer Safety for a Man's Best Friend

However, summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season. That’s why the Hartz team compiled a list of tips of how you and your furry friends can have safe fun in the sun!

Can’t Take the Heat

As we head towards the hottest days of summer, it is important to remember that heat stroke is a common occurrence this season and can be a serious threat to our furry loved ones. This occurrence is often a result of when dogs are left in a car on a hot day, or when they exercise in the heat without proper hydration. Always remember that a cracked car window is not enough to cool your pet. Internal temperatures on a sunny day can quickly skyrocket to 140° plus. If your dog has been in the heat for an extended period of time, keep an eye out for symptoms like rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick, sticky saliva, vomiting, diarrhea or signs of weakness. If you see any of these signs in your furry kids, try cooling them off by wetting them thoroughly and providing hydration.

Fun, Until Too Much Sun

Like people, dogs can burn in the sun and also need sunscreen to protect their skin. Dogs naturally have some protection from their fur, but that doesn’t mean they are fully protected from the sun’s dangerous rays. To prevent painful sunburns on your outdoor-loving furry companions, apply a waterproof sunscreen to cover the tips of your dog’s ears and nose, the skin around his mouth, belly area, and back. And remember that light-colored dogs are particularly susceptible to sunburn so it’s important to keep an extra close eye on them during these hot summer days.

Ice, Ice Puppy

Prevent dehydration by providing your dog with easy access to fresh and cool water both indoors and outdoors. Keep the water in shady areas outside to prevent it from warming up or evaporating, and try adding ice cubes and frozen chicken or beef broth to encourage your dog to take in more fluids. It also helps to carry a portable dog water bottle at all times because a hydrated pup is a happy pup!

The Pup Sniffles

Fleas, mold, flowers, and other potential allergens are common during summer and could cause discomfort to your furry friends. It’s our job as pet parents to understand the signs of allergies and find the right treatment for their symptoms. If your pup is displaying uncomfortable symptoms like itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin, excessive scratching, coughing, and sneezing, then it might be worth a visit to the veterinarian. If your dog is sensitive to flea bites, consider starting a flea control regimen before the season starts to prevent an infestation. Also, cleaning your pup’s bedding once a week can help get rid of dust, while a weekly bath can help alleviate itchy skin by removing environmental allergens and pollen from your dog’s fur.

Burnt Chicken is Still Chicken

Summer brings beautiful weather and lots of outdoor gatherings with barbecues and cozy fires, but be alert, your pup may try to take burning sticks from the fire thinking they are toys. Another potential hazard may be food stuck to barbecues, as your pup could attempt to lick it off the hot surface and burn his mouth. When enjoying a summer barbecue, be sure to keep the grill away from your pup and close the lid whenever possible to ensure they can’t get inside and hurt themselves.

Missing in Action

Planning a trip this summer? Pack your dog’s bag with essentials before you hit the road to make the trip as smooth as possible and prevent your dog from becoming lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Always have someone watching your dog if they’re off their leash. Make sure they are fitted with a collar and ID tag in case they get lost so they can return safely back into your loving arms if you get separated.

Caution: Do Not Eat

The Fourth of July can be enjoyable for kids and adults, but your furry family members may not share the same enthusiasm for the holiday. Loud noises and sudden flashes of fireworks can disorient pets and send them into a scared frenzy. Be sure to keep your dog safe and cozy inside and if possible, surrounded by comforting toys and treats to keep them occupied. You may want to put down some training pads in case your dog gets excited and has an accident. Also, fireworks can be mistaken for sticks, which makes your dog think that they are toys. Keep fireworks out of reach from your pups so they don’t accidentally eat or play with them. Fireworks can cause severe burns, trauma, and are potentially toxic to your furry friends.