Top 3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer

Summer is upon us, which means there's even more reason to be out in nature with your dog. Whether you're fishing, training, camping, hunting, or hiking, we have a few tips to keep in mind when bringing along your four-legged friend. These simple suggestions will ensure you and your furry mate can have a great 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 partners. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet, and that is an incredibly limited amount. This means that unlike humans, dogs cannot regulate their body temperature through perspiration. Panting does help to cool your dog, but as you can imagine, this is not the most effective way to cool an entire dog.

Ensure that your dog has access to cool water at all times. This is particularly crucial if you're going to be out in the field for training, hiking or camping. Active dogs need more hydration than those that spend most of their time indoors with air conditioning. When preparing to leave, remember to consider your pup's water needs and include a bowl for your dog to drink from. We also suggest trying our Canine Athlete® C9 Hydration if you're going to be engaging in outdoor activities. Not only do most dogs drink more water when using our hydration formula, but it also provides essential vitamins and minerals that your dog expends during physical exertion.

Provide Plentiful Shade

Not only will shade offer a cooler refuge for your dog, it can also help prevent him/her from getting sunburnt. Yes, dogs can get sunburnt, and shade is the most valuable tool to prevent this painful situation. You might consider trying to apply SPF 50 to your dog, but even if you can manage the mess of rubbing lotion through a whole lot of fur, most will probably be absorbed by your dog’s coat, leaving his skin unprotected. When choosing a campsite, training area or hiking trail, seek out places that provide the most shade. When camping, try to give your pup some time in the tent as this will provide further protection from the sun and heat.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

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

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

If you notice these signs in your dog, immediately move them to a cooler area. Get your dog water at room temperature as quickly as possible. Avoid ice water or extremely cold water as this may throw your pup’s system into shock, causing blood vessels to constrict and preventing cooling effects from flowing throughout your dog’s body. Call your vet right away. Even if symptoms improve, your vet will want to see your pup to make sure there is no internal damage.

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