Story and Photos By Hannah Deadman-Arnst
The temperatures are rising. The sun is shining. It’s time to explore the world with your pup, right?! Wrong! Before you head into the dog days of summer, it’s important to make sure you and your pup are prepared. Here are five tail waggin’ tips for keeping your pet safe this summer:
- Know Thy Dog
People often ask me how I keep my snow dogs cool in the heat. The answer? Just like any other dog. In fact, huskies’ double coats allows them to cool off better than short-haired breeds like labs or beagles. Still, I avoid taking them out during the hottest parts of the day. Some breeds already have breathing challenges, like boxers or Frenchies, and the heat can exacerbate this. No matter what, it’s imperative to know what your dog specifically needs.
- Keep Your Pet Hydrated!
During the summer months, you must keep your furry friend hydrated! Always make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. You can also place ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl to keep it cold for longer! For a special treat, offer your pup some dog-friendly ice cream or a frozen banana to enjoy.
- Plan All Outings Carefully
Take your dog for their walk in the early morning or evening to beat the hot temperatures. If you need to run some errands during a sweltering day, consider leaving your pup at home. Hot pavement (and even sand) can burn paw pads and lead to serious injuries. If you’re planning a road trip, make sure you have enough food and water for your pup, and never leave your dog alone in the car.
- Create a Cooling Off Playground
Water fun isn’t just for kids! Fill a baby pool with water and ice, or turn on the sprinkler. You can also place a cooling blanket on your dog’s back or take her to a dog-friendly beach! Don’t forget to make sure there’s a shady spot for your dog to rest, and limit exercise time outside to ensure your furry friend stays cool and safe. Always monitor your pet for signs of overheating, such as fatigue, extreme thirst, disorientation, and unusual breathing.
- Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes it’s just too dang hot to be outside for long. So, why not set up toys and enrichment activities indoors? Try using a special puzzle (Buddy loves this one!) or a peanut butter mat. Or, take your dog to a pet-friendly brewery so they can get in some new sights and smells—and enjoy a nice cold floor!
No matter what your summer activities hold, ensuring your pet stays hydrated, cool, and has plenty of safe opportunities to exercise will allow you to both enjoy the summertime as much as possible! For a full list of dog-friendly activities in The Palm Beaches, click here.
