10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

I never had a pet growing up and while I adopted my cats nearly 10 years ago, this is my first rodeo with a dog.

Keeping your dog safe this summer is easy.

I couldn’t be more like a nervous first-time mom if I tried. I’ve spent a lot of time on Google reading about various canine topics. I should have bought a Dogs for Dummies book.

Summer came quickly here in eastern North Carolina and since the pup likes to run with me, I’ve been brushing up on my summer safety tips for dogs.

While many of these tips may be common knowledge, here are 10 reminders to keep your dog safe:

1. Never leave an animal in a parked car. The interior temperature can reach more than 100 degrees in less than 5 minutes. In this video, a veterinarian shows how quickly it can reach deadly temperatures:
2. If pets must be left outdoors during the day, provide them with a shady spot and lots of fresh water. Avoid using a doghouse for shade as it can trap heat and become just as hot as a closed vehicle. Consider filling a child’s pool with water for your pets to use to cool themselves.
3. Taking your pet to the beach? Keep in mind that dogs can sunburn too. Apply a pet-safe sunscreen to their nose and ears every 30 minutes or limit their sun exposure.
4. Exercise in early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and don’t forget that hot asphalt can burn paw pads.
   

   Walk your dog during the cooler times of the day.

5. Carry ice packs to cool your dog when traveling. The ice packs double as drinking water once thawed.
6. Summer thunderstorms and fireworks can scare some animals. Be sure they have a safe place to go if they are frightened.
7. Keep pets off freshly fertilized or chemically-treated lawns. Citronella candles should be kept out of reach of pets too. Call Animal Poison Control if you think your pet has ingested any chemicals.
8. Like children, keep your eye on animals near the water. Some dogs love the water, while others dislike it. Never throw a dog into the water.
9. Bugs aren’t just annoyances to people. Be sure your pet is up-to-date with any flea and tick protection.
10. Rinse dogs after they’ve been in the pool or ocean. Chlorine and saltwater can damage their coats and give them an upset stomach if ingested. A quick rinse in fresh water will do the trick.

Does your dog enjoy the water?

In the summer excitement, don’t forget to enter to win some amazing products from Purina during National Pet Month!