With the summer being just around the corner in the Northern Hemisphere, most people start thinking about outdoor activities more often. You can think of going hiking, camping or just walking around, but if you have a dog, you might consider taking them too. If that’s the case, then please make sure you ensure your dog’s safety in the summertime. In this article, we’re exploring a few of the most common dangers you need to watch out for when it comes to your dog. 

Careful of the hot weather

We all enjoy it when the weather gets warmer, dogs included. That being said, you need to be mindful of the dangers that hot weather can bring. 

For one, the heat itself can be too much for your dog, especially if they are not accustomed to that type of weather yet. Make sure you give your dog a fur trim if needed, to help him cool down in the heat. That being said, don’t go to the other extreme and shave your dog, as that will cause him to overheat and burn faster, so rather than protecting him, you’d be doing more damage. 

Carry a water bottle with you at all times to make sure your pup doesn’t get dehydrated, as that can cause severe health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or a heat stroke. 

Next, make sure you don’t leave your dog in your car or other enclosed places in the sun, for too long. Cars especially can overheat so much faster than you’d think, so it’s no surprise that your dog would not be safe in a closed car in the sunny parking lot. If you need to go somewhere and dogs are not allowed, it’s best to leave Bruno at home, with a nice treat and a good amount of water to keep him company until you return. 

When it comes to walking your dog, make sure you avoid the hot asphalt too, as it can burn their paw pads and cause them suffering. Just like your feet would burn while stepping barefoot on an overheated sidewalk, so does your dog. By this logic, make sure to protect your dog’s paws by following a few simple rules: 

• Walk in the shade, if possible.
• Walk in the grass, if possible.
• Take walks in the mornings and evenings, when the heat dies down. 

Watch out for bugs and critters

Summertime is usually filled with critters and crawlers that normally don’t impose any harm. However, there are a few you should be mindful of: ticks, fleas, spiders or bees. 

If you’re planning to take your dog to the dog park, make sure you treat your dog to some flea repellent first, but be careful that the repellent you’re using is appropriate for him/her. Actually, this is a good tip for most of the year, but fleas tend to thrive in the summertime due to high temperatures and humidity. 

Walking alongside your dog in nature is so much fun, but it’s also where your pup could pick up some harmful ticks.This bloodsucking bug is usually found in the grass/hay and can cause a lot of damage to your dog, like lyme diseases or babesiosis, among others. 

Spiders are another threat that’s very common in summer, as they can be venomous and potentially deadly to your dog. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for danger when you walk with your dog in nature. The same goes for snake watch, if you’re in an area where you could be disturbing their natural habitat. 

Last but not least on the bug list are the bees. These cute, pollen-gathering bugs can be a treat to your dog if he tries to eat them. A single bee sting will cause swelling and it can potentially cause anaphylactic shock, if your dog is allergic to them - just like humans do. 

Pools and picnics

Recreational outdoor activities often include a trip to the pool, a picnic or a BBQ session, and while all those sound like a great idea in the heat of summer, they can also cause potential harm to your pooch. 

Pools, for instance, usually contain chlorine and other water cleaning chemicals that could be harmful to your pet. On the other hand, if your pool (or any lake, pond, sea or ocean) is too cold or too hot, it could send your dog into hypothermic shock - especially if it’s super hot outside and your dog jumps in the ice cold ocean. 

Oh, and one more thing: Never leave your dog unsupervised near a pool or mass of water, as they could drown, regardless of how good a swimmer they usually are. Better safe than sorry!

If you prefer BBQs or picnics, make sure you’re weary of the forbidden food that your dog might have access to. If you have leftovers, or a trashcan nearby, keep them covered and out of the way. It’s not that you don’t want Fido to have access to delicious food or that you want to keep it all to yourself, but rather, you’re keeping him away from shish kabob sticks, spicy leftovers or any foods that could be toxic to them. 

Being mindful of all the things mentioned above will ensure that you and your dog have a happy summer full of good memories. And of course, if any of the above occurs, we strongly recommend that you immediately seek veterinarian help to make sure your dog gets better soon.