The warm summer sun is just around the corner, and many dogs are headed outdoors to enjoy fun in the warmer weather with their owners on the other end of the leash. How many of you are truly prepared to protect against the dangers that the warm temperatures, intense sun, and nature throw your way during your summer adventures? Protect yourself and your canine companion against all the bugs, sunburns, and other dangers that lurk in your backyard with these 5 easy and affordable tips.
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- If you have a single-coated dog or a canine companion with light-colored and thin fur then you may want to invest in some quality sunscreen. That’s right, humans are not the only ones who benefit from the power of SPF! These dogs are susceptible to severe sunburns that can actually become more than just an uncomfortable situation. If left untreated, sunburns can even turn into painful infections that require vet care. A few minutes of application time can prevent all of this easily!
- Flea and tick prevention is a must-have for any dog that enjoys the adventures that the outdoors can bring. Anything from a hike in the woods to just exploring tall grass can lead to a tick or flea infestation. These pests can carry diseases that are dangerous to your dog, so providing easy and affordable preventative care can keep the biting bugs away from your pooch. You can consult your veterinarian for advice on preventatives or research online for what will work best for you and your dog. A variety of choices are readily available including edible pills that can be taken once every four months, monthly spot-on treatments with proven to work pesticides, and all-natural sprays that carry limited risk with all the benefits of a flea-free pet.
- Don’t forget your water bottle! Nothing is worse than being out on a hot summer day with a parched throat and dry mouth! The heat will force your body to use up the water and electrolytes to keep you cool through sweat. Your dog’s body is not much different. Activity in the hot summer sun will force his body to use up fluids, which means he needs to intake a lot as well. Bring along water for both of you and don’t forget a travel water bowl for your furry friend. These travel bowls can easily collapse for quick storage in your pocket, backpack, or purse and some even connect directly with a water bottle for convenience.
- Dress cool! This goes for your pooch, too! If you’re heading out into the warm sun, you may automatically grab a hat and sunglasses, shorts, and a short-sleeved shirt, but what about your dog? Eye protection made just for canines are available on the market for all sizes of dogs. These are made to stay on your dog’s face while he runs, swims, and enjoys the day without causing any damage to his head and keeping his eyes safe from dangerous rays from the sun. Cooling vests, collars, bandanas, and harnesses are easily purchased for your dog as well they can be filled with cold water, tossed in the freezer overnight, or held in cold packs so that your dog avoids overheating, which can be life-threatening. If you opt out of using any of these items, keep your dog’s safety in mind. If he looks warm, end the activities and bring him into an air-conditioned area. Overheating can become deadly very quickly.
- Foot and paw protection is just as essential as a collar and leash when you’re outdoors in warm weather. It’s a given that you will have shoes to protect your bare feet from the hot and rough ground, but your dog only has the pads on his paws to protect him. Sidewalks, roads, and walkways absorb the sun’s heat and become much warmer than the air around you. This will literally burn your dog’s paw pads right off his feet, causing painful blisters and even leading to infections. This could become a summer-long job of caring for your injured pet as his paw pads have to regrow before he can walk safely outside again. Stop this from happening before it gets the chance by using boots made for dogs that are breathable, and comfortable and include thick soles to lift their paws off the burning ground. If your dog is a usual size or just does not work well in boots, paw protection wax is also available at many pet stores and online. These are all-natural waxes that work similarly to boots but offer slightly less protection while allowing your dog to move normally and not be hindered by bulky boots.
Be fully aware of the possibility of events that could happen during your outdoor summer adventures with your canine companion. Can he become dehydrated, bitten by bugs, or burned by the sun? Prepare yourself and your pooch so that the two of you can fully enjoy every adventure to its fullest in comfort and safety.
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