Summer fun isn’t limited to just you or your family… your dog likes to have fun too and often is a playful partner in all your summer activities. So when protecting yourself during the summer, you need to remember to take special care of your dog also.

First and foremost, NEVER leave your dog locked in the car for any length of time! On a hot day the temperature in a car can shoot up to over 120 degrees in minutes. Makes no difference whether you park in the shade or leave your windows partially open. Your car will turn into a hot pressure cooker and your dog will easily succumb to heat stroke and die. NEVER leave your dog in the car!

Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat or perspire so the only way they can dissipate heat is through panting or through the pads of their feet. Panting and drinking cool water will help cool them down and plenty of cool water should always be available.

Dogs can also suffer from the sun’s damaging rays and develop sunburn or skin cancers. Light colored dogs are more prone to this than darker colored dogs. Always provide access to cool shaded areas for your dog and consider applying a sunblock or sunscreen lotion to a dog’s sensitive skin areas. Your veterinarian can help you more with this and show you how and when to apply.

Traveling with your dog also requires some precautions. Don’t drive with your dog loose in the back of a pickup truck. Many people do this and all it does is put your dog and other motorists at risk.  Dogs are easily thrown from the truck bed and often seriously injured or killed as a result. Keep your dog securely inside the cab with you.

Whether in a car, truck or RV, using a dog seat belt is also recommended. This will keep your dog securely in the seat and in the event of any short, sudden stops or accidents, your dog will not be thrown around or injured. All passengers in any vehicle should be wearing seat belts!

Most dogs love to swim and will jump into any body of water. Makes no difference if it’s a pool, lake or ocean, or whether the water is clean or dirty. They usually won’t hesitate to jump in! To avoid any unwanted ear mites, parasitic infestations or infections, rinse your dog off thoroughly after any water activities. Otherwise, you may end up with some costly veterinarian visits and a very unhappy dog.

If you have a dog that loves to jump into swimming pools you need to make sure that he can get out safely and KNOWS how to do so.  Dogs instinctively will try to get out of any body of water from where they went in. This instinct serves them well if they fall into a lake or pond but in a pool it is a different story and he can drown trying to get out the same way he jumped in. So you must train your dog to know where to get out of the pool.

Everyone thinks that dogs instinctively know how to swim, doing the “dog paddle” that we were all taught as children. Not all dogs like the water, and not all dogs can swim, so if you have a dog that is reluctant to go into the water or appears anxious and nervous, DO NOT force him into the water. It will only escalate his fears and put him more at risk. If however, your dog shows an interest in the water but is hesitant to go in, gently guide him and let him get used to it gradually. Eventually he may enjoy it!

Gardening and lawn care can also present special problems for dogs. Pesticides and herbicides can be extremely poisonous for a dog so always keep these items in a safe container and safely put away.  Dogs are notorious for finding improperly stored containers and chewing them up or drinking the contents with life threatening results. Always read the warnings and instructions on these products and if they are hazardous for your dog, it is recommended that you find an alternative product or make sure that your dog has no access to the product or the treated area.

Summer is that time of the year where it should be fun for everyone, including your pet. Taking the time to follow these simple steps will ensure that for you and your dog and make for a great summer!