As summer is approaching, it is important that you start getting ready for the changes in the weather and planning for the many activities you have planned. Whether you plan to lounge by the pool or take a trip, it is important to know some of the summer pet safety tips to help keep your dog happy and safe this summer.
Be Wary of Water
One of the biggest misconceptions about dogs and water is that all dogs know how to swim. The truth is that this is not always true. You should make sure your dog knows how to swim before you just toss them in. More than this you need to make sure they want to swim. Do not force a dog to swim that clearly has no interest in swimming.
It is also a good idea to make sure the water is suitable for swimming. This is why it is not a good idea to take your dog to swim, or swim yourself, in fresh water that may be potentially contaminated by bacteria or other sources. Finally you also want to make sure swimming is allowed for pets (and people) before you and Fido jump in the water.
Think About the Paws
Another thing many people forget about when it comes to summer pet safety is keeping their pets paws safe. The concrete can get extremely hot and this can be more than just painful to your pet. It can damage or even melt off their paw pad. A good rule of thumb is that if the concrete is too hot for you to walk on barefoot then it is too hot for your pup. Here are a few alternatives to beating the sidewalk heat:
- Walk in areas that have grass so your dog can walk in the grass which is significantly cooler
- Put shoes on your dog to help keep their feet  from being burned (though keep in mind that most dogs hate this)
- Take your walks early in the morning and later in the evening when the concrete is not as hot.
Protect Your Dog Outdoors
Many people want to keep their dogs outside with them for extended periods of time while they enjoy the weather in the summer. This is not a bad thing but you need to keep summer pet safety in mind while you do this. One of the things you need to do is ensure your dog has plenty of water to drink. In fact, having water they can play in, such as sprinklers, a kiddie pool or even a full size pool can be even better. Also, make sure there are plenty of covered  areas where your dog can go to escape the glaring heat of the sun. You should also watch for signs that your dog is getting overexerted and needs to come inside.
