Summer Safety Tips for Pet Owners

We’ve made it halfway through summer and while the weather has cooled down, summer’s not over yet. I’m here to remind owners on summer safety when doing activities with their pets. Summer really is a wonderful time for dogs and their humans to enjoy all the great outdoors has to offer, but it’s important to keep their safety in mind when out having fun in the sun. 

Here are some safety tips pet owners:

1. Hydration: Ensure your pets have access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during hot weather. When heading out on walks and outings, remember to bring water with you and stop for breaks in shady areas to allow them to rest and cool down. Ensure you have an open container or bowl for them to drink from. Some water bottles on the market have narrow openings and the dogs do not get enough, opt for wider mouth bowls and troughs. It’s also important to note that you bring enough water if you’re going to be out on longer hikes or trails. I usually carry an extra bottle with chilled water.
2. Avoid Heatstroke: Pets can easily suffer from heatstroke in hot weather.  Avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or evenings instead. Cooling vests such as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest can be a good investment to help your dogs stay cool and comfortable: https://ruffwear.ca/products/swamp-cooler-dog-cooling-vest
3. NEVER LEAVE A PET IN A CAR. Internal temperatures can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked. Provide cool, well-ventilated spaces for your pets to retreat to. 
4. Sun Protection: Just like humans, dog’s can get sunburned, especially dogs with short hair or light skin. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Provide shade or use protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
5. Paw Protection: Hot pavement or sand can burn your dog’s paws. Walk them on grassy or shaded areas, use booties for protection, or walk them during cooler times of the day. Check their paws for any signs of irritation or injury. A good rule of thumb is to hold your palm to the ground and test the temperature. If you cannot hold your hand to the pavement for more than a few seconds, it’s probably too hot for your pet to walk on. Ruffwear makes an excellent line of dog shoes that can be used in warmer or colder climates: https://ruffwear.ca/products/grip-trex-dog-boot-pairs
6. Parasite Prevention: Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are more prevalent during the summer months. Talk to your vet about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Check them regularly for ticks, and consider using pet-safe insect repellents when appropriate. Never use products containing DEET on them. I like to use natural repellants safe for both me and my dog to use such as https://www.curealia.com/product/natural-insect-repellent/. A bug jacket is another option to protect your furry friends. This one in particular is also good for block the sun as well https://dogfatherandco.com/product/hurtta-sun-bug-blocker/.
7. Water Safety: Not all pets are natural swimmers. Supervise them around pools, lakes, or other bodies of water. Use a pet life jacket for added safety, especially on boats or during water activities.

8. BBQ Safety: Keep your pets away from hot grills, open flames, and foods that are toxic to them, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and alcohol. Dispose of trash properly to prevent your pets from rummaging through it and potentially ingesting harmful food, objects and substances.
9. Insect Repellants: Some insect repellents, citronella candles, and other outdoor products can be toxic to pets. Keep these items out of their reach. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately.
10. Firework Safety: Fireworks and loud noises can cause anxiety and distress in pets. Keep them in a safe, quiet space during firework displays or other noisy events. Consider using calming techniques or consult your veterinarian for anxiety management strategies. Keep pets away from fireworks.
11. Travel Safety: If you’re traveling with your pet, ensure they are properly secured in a crate or with a harness and seatbelt. Never attach the seatbelt to their collar. Consider microchipping in case your pet gets lost and found. Attach a name tag to their collar with contact info. If camping or visiting places temporarily, consider attaching a temporary tag with your stay information (i.e. campground name and site number) along with their regular tag. Never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle. Plan ahead for pet-friendly accommodations and bring familiar items to help them feel comfortable in new environments. Place crates in vehicles out of the direct path of sun to avoid overheating. 
12. Lastly, let’s talk about sand impaction. We all want to have fun at the beach, but sand impaction is serious and should be taken seriously. Imagine you’re tossing your dog’s ball around on the beach. Each time they retrieve it they ingest a bit of sand. Swallowing too much sand can lead to a blockage and requires immediate medical attention. Reduce their risk of sand impaction by cleaning off toys that are covered in sand, use toys that do not easily attract and hold sand, do not throw their treats or food into the sand and do not allow them to drink salt water. 

By following these summer safety tips, you can ensure that your pets stay healthy, comfortable, and safe during the warmer months. Remember to be mindful of their needs and provide them with plenty of love, care, and attention throughout the season.