Summer is here and our desire to live our lives outdoors finally comes full circle. Of course, as dog lovers, we will always choose to bring our best-fur-friend with us whether on a hike, out for a bite, or just a nice weekend chill in the backyard. In order to provide our dogs with the very best summer experience, we wanted to share some dog summer safety tips to keep them safe, happy and ready to enjoy all that everyone’s favorite season has to offer!

Keep Your Pet Cool

When you’re out and about, it’s important to think about whether or not it’s a good idea to bring your dog. Though it is never recommended to leave your pet unattended in a parked car, this rule becomes a lot more serious in the summertime. Cars heat up  much faster than you may think and you will risk your dog dying from heatstroke. The inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. As a summer dog safety precaution, never leave your dog in a car when it’s hotter than 70°F, even with the windows down!

As temperatures rise this summer, be sure to plan dog walks around avoiding the hottest part of the day. Taking your dog out in the morning before breakfast is not only a good habit to have, but is also something you should think about incorporating into your routine this summer, as temperatures at that time are still mild.

Plan your walk ahead of time and try to pick shady routes for walking your dog. Take frequent breaks as necessary and enjoy the shade and cool grass together. It’s also a good idea to check surfaces, such as asphalt and sand, before walking the dog. Your dog isn’t wearing shoes like you are, so if it is too hot on your skin, it is too hot for your dog’s paws and should be avoided completely.

If your dog loves water, installing a beautiful water feature can be another great option. A fountain or fish pool can add beauty to your backyard as well as provide a spot for your dog to cool off. Dr. Tracey Hanna, MVB, DABVP, Veterinarian ER Doctor, weighs in: “Generally, a pond that contains fish is going to be safe for dogs, but be careful of algae, which can be toxic.”

Outdoor showers can be a luxurious home addition and handy for both dirty dogs and people. Make sure to create a drinking water fountain at dog level.

“Try not to let water sit if you can prevent it, but in the case of pools or ponds that cannot be drained daily, remember to give your dog monthly heartworm preventatives. Standing water attracts mosquitoes which are a vector for heartworm disease.” Dr. Stephanie Magnarelli says.

Keep Your Dog Contained

Create a Pet-Friendly Yard

It’s important to select plants that are healthy for dogs, especially if you have a puppy or a dog that likes chewing. Avoid popular flowers such as azaleas, tulips, hydrangea, foxgloves, and wisteria where the flowers and leaves can be toxic. Great dog-friendly options are African violets, aster, daylilies, hibiscus, marigolds, snapdragons, sunflowers, and zinnia. Plants like lavender and chamomile are calming to dogs. Most herbs are good for dogs, and things like mint will even help to freshen their breath!

If your dog is not into eating or chewing plants, you might also consider landscaping with urine-resistant plants like the Japanese Spindle Tree and Burkwood Osmanthus, which is an evergreen shrub that blooms with fragrant  white flowers. (Note that both these plants are poisonous if ingested, however.)

Consult this list of plants poisonous to dogs before heading to your garden center.

If you already have toxic plants in your yard, hope is not lost. “You can prevent your dog from getting near them by putting fencing around the plant, keeping your dog on leash, or using the SpotOn system to only allow them in a certain part of the yard that does not contain poisonous plants!” says Dr. Stephanie Magnarelli, DVM, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

Enroll in Pet Insurance in Case of Accidents or Illness

HAVE A GREAT, SAFE SUMMER!

Now that you have all the information you need to keep you and your best friend safe, it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and incredible bonding time and adventures that await you. Here’s to a perfect Summer together!