No shoes. No shirt. No problems! Summer is the best time to kick back and relax with schools out and the sun shining. Your four-legged friends are also excited to roll around in the grass and spend some extra time outside soaking in the fresh air, but with the new season comes new dangers to be on the lookout for. Summer is definitely a time for fun for all two-legged and four-legged friends, but pet parents should check out these 6 commonly overlooked summer dangers for their dogs before heading out for activities.

1. Not all dogs can swim! Even dogs that are ‘built’ to swim can have trouble and may not know how to instinctively stay afloat in the water. This can lead to panic, anxiety or even injury. Start off slow when introducing water play, especially if you want to teach them to swim and never leave them unattended. Brachy breeds, along with other breeds, do not have the right build to stay afloat. Brachycephalic breeds have short snouts that make it difficult to breathe and the hazard of inhaling water becomes much more extreme for them. 

2. Hot feet! The old saying ‘It’s so hot outside you could fry an egg on the sidewalk’ has a lot of meaning in it when it comes to your dog’s paws. Even with the outside temperature less than 100 degrees, sidewalks and dark surfaces such as asphalt can still be hot enough to cause serious burns on the bottom of their feet. Before walking your dog, check the temperature of these surfaces with your bare hand because if it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for them.

3. To groom, or not to groom! If you have a super fluffy dog that you’re thinking about shaving for the summer, think again. It might be tempting to help your dog out and take their coat away, but you’re actually leaving them vulnerable to sunburn and bug bites when you shave them down. You can also prevent them from being able to regulate their body temperature. Instead of shaving your dog, brush them extremely well because removing loose fur from their undercoat can increase their natural ventilation. 

4. Don’t drink the standing water! Standing pools of water can breed bacteria and parasites that can make your dog sick if they drink from it. Avoid standing water whenever possible and always have fresh water on hand for your dog. If you’re outside in your backyard, make sure to dump any old water from a bowl that has been sitting for a while and refresh their water. 

5. Don’t leave them in the car! Cars in the summer can become like an oven. If you need to take them with you on a drive, take them with you when you leave your car. If it’s an errand that does not permit you to take your dog with you, consider leaving them at home in the air conditioning. Leaving them in a hot car can lead to heat stroke and not to mention it’s illegal in several states! As of March 2024, 31 states have laws that prohibit leaving a dog in a car under dangerous conditions or give civil immunity to people who rescue dogs from vehicles.

6. Know how to work with the sun! Temperatures can be dangerous in the summer, which is why knowing when to walk your dog at the right time can be beneficial for your pup. Early in the morning and later in the evening will give you some reprieve from the heat, but making sure there is some shade on your route can also help. Make sure they have some shade in the backyard if they need some outside time and know the signs of heat stroke: disorientation, lethargy, red and swollen gums, vomiting, excessive panting or weak and wobbly legs. Avoid the middle of the day as much as you can for walks because the heat will be at its peak time and can cause some problems with your furry friend. 

Don’t let summer get the best of you when it comes to safety for your dog. Being aware of temps, asphalt hotness and surroundings can be the difference between having a blast and calling the veterinarian. Always keep water on you when you’re out doing activities and make shade a priority for your furry friend on those extra sunny days.

We at Going Mutts Pet Services prioritize your dog’s health during the hotter days of summer by finding shadier paths, bringing extra water and always being observant of hot asphalt during our walks. Let us take on the dog days of summer for you to give your favorite canine companion a chance to get their fresh air while work keeps you busy. Contact us to let us know what pet care needs we can help out with!

Sources: 

https://millersburganimalclinic.com/blog?article_id=often-overlooked-summer-safety-hazards