Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog. To ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy this summer, keep these tips in mind.
1. Keep hydrated.
Warm weather and lots of exercise can cause your dog to become overheated. Dehydration and heatstroke are real dangers to your pet's life. Make sure that you have access to plenty of fresh, cool drinking water for your dog. If you are not sure that water will be available, bring bottled water and a clean bowl for your dog to use.
2. Watch for sunburn.
Yes, even dogs can get sunburned. You can apply a layer of sunscreen on your dog anywhere that his fur is thin. You should also apply sunscreen to his nose, ears, and any sensitive areas that lack pigment. Remember to reapply if you are out in the sun for longer than two hours.
3. Park safely.
It is never ok to leave your dog in a parked car when it is warm outside. On a hot day, the temperature inside a car can reach over 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) in less than five minutes. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not really help, as the temperature in your car can still quickly reach life-threatening levels. Take your dog with you when you park your car, or leave him at home if that is not an option.
4. Watch the feet.
Hot sidewalks, asphalt, or even sand can burn the bottom of your dog's feet. The pads may seem tough, but when they contact an extremely hot surface, they can quickly burn. Avoid these types of surfaces during the hottest part of the day.
5. Keep cool in the outdoors.
If your dog is kept outdoors, make sure he has a steady supply of cool, clean water. A dog also needs plenty of shade throughout the entire day. If you live where it is very warm, consider hosing down your dog in the morning and again in the afternoon.
6. Take care in the water.
Not all dogs are great swimmers. If your dog will be around water, consider a life preserver or vest. This is especially important if your dog has any underlying health problems, such as heart disease or obesity. A life jacket can save your dog's life in the event of a sudden storm, if he is knocked off the boat, or if he is tired from cold and choppy water.
7. Check out the vets.
Finally, if you are traveling this summer, check ahead of time for a veterinary clinic or hospital in the area that you will be visiting. It is good to do this before the need arises and to know what your options are in the event of a health emergency.
Domain City Center Apartments in Lenexa, Kansas goes above and beyond to improve your daily lifestyle with our spacious floor plans, unparalleled amenities, and incomparable customer service. We hope these tips will inform, educate, and ultimately, provide you with a better way-of-life.