Summer Safety Guide: Protecting Your Furry Friend

by LostMyPet 10 jun

Summer Safety Guide

Summer is here, and with it, longer days and rising temperatures. Here are 11 pet safety tips to keep your dog cool and happy all summer long.

Hydration is Key: Provide your pet with fresh, cool water at all times, especially during outdoor activities.

Provide Shade and Shelter: Avoid the hottest parts of the day for walks or playtime. Opt for early morning or late evening outings to prevent your pet from overheating.

Time Outdoor Activities Wisely: Ensure your dog has access to shade when outdoors. Set up a shaded area or use a dog-specific shade tent to provide a cool retreat from the summer heat.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: Parked cars can quickly become dangerously hot in minutes, even with cracked windows.

Time Outdoor Activities Wisely: Ensure your dog has access to shade when outdoors. Set up a shaded area or use a dog-specific shade tent to provide a cool retreat from the summer heat.

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke: Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

  • Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Collapsing

If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, move them to a cooler area, offer water, and seek veterinary attention immediately. Some dogs, such as breeds with thick coats or flat-faced breeds, tend to be more prone to heatstroke. Very young or older animals can also be at a higher risk.

Protect Against Sunburn: Just like us, dogs can get sunburns and other complications from sun exposure. To help protect your pet, apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas of your dog's skin (like the bridge of their nose or tips of their ears) to prevent sunburn, especially for dogs with light-colored fur. Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 4-6 hours.

Adjust Exercise Intensity: Shorten walks and opt for indoor games or mental stimulation activities to prevent overexertion in hot weather.

Be Mindful of Swimming Safety: Always supervise your pet around water and consider using a canine life vest, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Corgis, and Pugs, are not built for swimming and are best kept on solid ground.

Keep Bugs at Bay: Use vet-approved preventive measures, such as flea and tick medications, to protect your dog from pesky insects and the diseases they may carry.

Know Your Dog's Limits: Pay attention to your dog's behavior and adapt activities accordingly. If they seem uncomfortable or tired, take a break and allow them to cool down.

Check Your Dog's LostMyPet QR Tag: Before heading out on summer adventures with your canine pal, make sure your dog’s LostMyPet QR tag is attached to their collar and free of scratches and damage.

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