How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

Most people have relied on their pets to help them get through this difficult time. If you are one of the many people who has been cheered up by having their dog with them over the last few months, are you doing everything to keep them safe as well? With the weather getting warmer and the temperature increasing every day, there are a few ways that you can make sure your dog stays safe over the summer months. As well as keeping them cool, read on to find out a bit more about how you can make sure your dog is well-cared for.

Check for Common and Uncommon Health Conditions

More socializing outside brings a risk of more health conditions, particularly in more extensive social settings. External parasites, fungal infections, and reactions from some fertilizers and pesticides are just some common health risks posed by gatherings of more significant people and their pets.You should also be aware of the infections that are caused by bacterial organisms and could cause kennel cough (caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica), and CIRD (caused by several viruses and bacteria).

The warm weather also brings the added risk of heatstroke. Remember that a temperature that seems only a little warm to you can be too hot for your dog. This also gets worse after dogs at these gatherings overheat from being active and playing with their friends. Make sure your dog doesn’t overheat by checking for signs of heatstroke like excessive panting and drooling, anxiousness, abnormal gum color, weakness, and collapse. And of course, never leave them in the car on warm days.

As well as common health conditions brought on by mass gatherings and an increase in temperature, look out for health conditions that are slightly more unknown like gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Canine bloat, or GDV, is the number-one cause of death for several large and giant breeds.

Although 25% of bloat cases are caused by gastric dilation (where the stomach fills with gas that is prevented from escaping), 75% are caused by gastric volvulus, where the stomach actually twists and cuts off the inflow and outflow from the stomach. In both cases, the consequences can be severe. Take some time to read up on dog gastric dilatation-volvulus, including risk factors, and signs and symptoms.

Look into Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a great way to deal with the consequences of some of the health, as mentioned earlier conditions. While some pet owners might consider pet insurance unnecessary, accidents and illnesses tend to happen when we least expect them, and you can never be too prepared.

Really, there’s no price you can put on a much-loved pet – especially when according to a Pew Research Center survey, 85% of dog owners consider their pet to be a member of the family!

Be Careful When Taking your Dog Swimming

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise to keep your dog healthy, and also to let them cool down in the summer sun. But think carefully about where you take your dog swimming.

Lakes have plenty of safe, shallow areas for your dog to swim, but take care to check if there is anything in the water that your dog could get caught on like big tree branches. Sea swimming is also another popular water destination, but be careful to check that the conditions are safe before letting your dog run in.

If you want to go for a hike with your dog, consider buying a life vest. Like jackets are designed as a canine flotation device as well, which means that you don’t have to worry if your dog jumps full force into the water! They can also help your dog relax while they’re learning to swim.

These are just a few ways to keep your dog safe during summer. Remember the main priority is to keep them cool in the summer heat. But also, to keep them happy and healthy!