Summer in Michigan is right around the corner, and with it comes a season of sunshine, fun, and outdoor activities. As you get ready to enjoy the warm weather with your furry friend, it’s important to take a few extra steps to make sure they’re prepared for the season ahead:
- Stay Cool: Just like us, dogs can suffer from heat stroke and dehydration. Dogs with short snouts are especially prone to overheating due to their difficulty in regulating their body temperature. Make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh, cool water and shade when spending time outdoors. Consider investing in a kiddie pool or sprinkler for your pup to play in, and take walks during the cooler times of the day.
- Protect Their Paws: Hot pavement and sand can burn your pup’s sensitive paw pads. Before heading out, test the pavement with your own hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pup. Consider investing in some dog booties or walking on grass or dirt paths instead.
- Keep Them Pest-Free: Summertime means more bugs, and some of them can be harmful to your furry friend. Make sure your pup is up-to-date on their flea and tick prevention medication, and consider using a pet-safe insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
- Watch for Signs of Overheating: Dogs can’t cool down like humans do, and overheating can quickly become dangerous. Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and wobbly movements. If you notice any of these signs, move your pup to a cool, shaded area, offer them water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Practice Water Safety: While some dogs are natural swimmers, others may need some help getting comfortable in the water. If you plan on taking your pup to the pool, beach, or lake, make sure they’re wearing a life jacket if you aren’t sure of their swimming skills and always keep an eye on them when they’re near the water. Some dogs don’t know when they should be done swimming and can overexert themselves. Keep your dog safe and don’t overdo it.
- Don’t Leave Them in the Car: Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Never leave your furry friend in the car unattended, even if you plan on running a quick errand.
And if you’re looking for a fun and safe way to beat the heat this summer, come visit The Pack Indoor Dog Park! Our air-conditioned facility is the perfect place for your pup to play and stay cool. With plenty of space to run, jump, and play with other pups, your furry friend is sure to have a blast. Plus, our pet CPR & First Aid trained staff is always on hand to make sure everyone stays safe and happy. If you’d like to learn more about keeping your pet safe not only in the weather, get Pet Tech Pet First Aid & CPR trained at our next training.
