Top 3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer

Summer's here, which means there's even more reason to be out in the bush with your doggo. Whether you're fishing, training, camping, hunting, or bushwalking, we've got a few tips to keep in mind when bringing along your four-legged mate. These easy hints will make sure you and your furry mate can have a ripper time all summer long.

Keep Cool Water Readily Available

Keeping hydrated in hot weather is important for all of us, but especially important for our canine mates. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet, and that's an incredibly limited amount. This means, unlike humans, dogs can't regulate their body temperature through sweating. Panting does help to cool your dog, but as you can imagine, it's not the most effective way to cool down an entire dog.

Make sure your dog's got access to cool water at all times. It's real important, especially if you're out in the field training, bushwalking or camping. Active dogs need more water than the ones lounging around in aircon most of the day. When you're packing, remember to include your mate in the water supply plans, and bring along a bowl so your dog can have a drink. We also reckon you try our Canine Athlete® C9 Hydration if you're gonna be active outdoors. Not only do most dogs drink more water with our hydration mix, but it also tops up the essential vitamins and minerals your dog loses when they're on the go.

Provide Plentiful Shade

Not only will shade give your dog a cooler spot to chill out, but it can also help stop your mate from getting sunburnt. Yep, dogs can cop a sunburn, and shade is the best way to avoid this painful situation. You might reckon putting SPF 50 on your dog is a good idea, but even if you manage the hassle of working lotion through a whole heap of fur, most of it's likely to get soaked up in your dog's coat, leaving their skin unprotected. When picking a campsite, training area or bushwalking track, look for spots with heaps of shade. While camping, try to let your pooch hang out in the tent a bit, as it'll give them extra protection from the sun and the heat.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

The goal is always to stop your dog from getting heat stroke, but knowing the signs of heat stroke can mean the difference between life and death for your pooch. Keep a close eye on your dog for the following signs of heat stroke:

• Vigorous panting
• Dark red gums or thick mucus on gums
• Unwilling or unable to get up
• Collapsing

If you spot these signs in your dog, straight away move them to a cooler spot. Give your dog water at room temperature as quick as you can. Steer clear of ice water or really cold water as it might shock your dog's system, causing blood vessels to tighten up and stopping the cooling effects from spreading through your dog's body. Ring your vet immediately. Even if symptoms get better, your vet will want to check over your doggo to ensure there's no internal damage.

These little tips will help you and your dog get the most out of the outdoors this summer.