Don’t Sweat the Heat: Here’s a Dog Summer Safety Checklist

Warm weather is finally here! Get outside and get some sunshine while you can. Don’t forget to bring your dog along for the summer fun.

Before you head out the door, take the precautions you need to stay safe during the summer heat. You’ll probably reach for sunscreen and sunglasses for yourself, but do you have a summer safety checklist for your pup? If not, you should.

Before you start your summer adventures with your furry friend, take a moment to make sure they are safe and protected from all the dangers summer can bring.

PetPlace’s Dog Summer Safety Checklist
Whether you’re keeping your dog inside or spending more time out in the sunshine, the heat of summer can be dangerous. With the increased temperatures, your dog can easily become overheated and even dehydrated, so have cool water on hand to keep your pooch hydrated.

If you notice your dog seems disoriented or is panting or drooling more than usual, they may be experiencing heat stroke, so get them to water and bring their body temperature down as quickly as possible. The danger of overheating and dehydration is even greater for dogs with flat faces, as they struggle to get more air in the heat. It’s good to have your vet’s contact information on hand in case of an emergency like this, but you can avoid it by giving your dog constant access to water.

Invest in a Life Jacket for Dog Water Safety
For many families, summer means a trip to the beach. If you’re planning on bringing your pup, consider getting a life jacket for your dog to help keep them afloat. Even the best swimmers can have a dangerous situation arise and life jackets can save their lives.

A life jacket isn’t just for the beach. It’s a great investment in dog summer safety if you’re going kayaking, boating, fishing, or just sitting by the lake. You can rest easy knowing that your pup is safe if they venture too close to the water. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your summer by the water.

Stay Up to Date on Flea and Tick Prevention
While your flea and tick prevention should be applied year-round, it is especially important during the warmer months when both fleas and ticks become more active. During the summer, people are more likely to head outdoors for camping, hiking, or other activities, with 48% taking their dogs to outdoor parks. As you bring your dog to the spaces where fleas and ticks dwell, there is a higher risk of them becoming infested with these parasites.

Protect your pooch from the discomfort of fleas and the dangers of tick-borne illness with flea and tick prevention this summer. If you don’t already have medication lined up, talk to your vet about the options that best meet your dog’s needs, as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Protect Your Dog’s Feet from the Hot Ground
The summer sun does more than just warm the air, it also heats up the ground. Whether it’s pavement, dirt, or sand, the ground can become dangerously hot to feet and paws. Before taking your dog for a walk or venturing onto a sandy beach, protect your dog’s feet with shoes or paw balm so they don’t burn their paw pads. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws.

Get Your Dog Microchipped
Microchipping your dog is an important step to getting your dog back if they run away or become lost. With summer holidays like the 4th of July leading to more lost dogs than any other time of year, microchips can help reunite families.

Consider a GPS Collar
Microchipping your dog is important to getting them back home if they are unexpectedly lost, but they only work if your dog is returned to a shelter or vet clinic that can read them. If you are heading out on a hike this summer, you may want to purchase a GPS collar for your dog. Many brands pair with your phone so you can easily locate your dog on the go.

GPS dog collars are a vital addition to your dog summer safety plan if you allow your dog off leash at any time. If you are camping, hiking, or traveling far from home, a GPS collar can be the fastest solution to locating your dog.

Add a Dog Seat to Your Car for Road Trip Safety
With over 18% of vacationing Americans taking a summer road trip, there’s a strong probability that you will, at some point, drive to your vacation destination. If you’re taking your pooch with you on a road trip, keep them safe on the road with a dog car seat, dog carrier or crate, or dog seat belt. They have the added benefit of keeping your pup confined to avoid distracting you while you’re driving.

This summer, have fun with your dog, but take measures to keep them safe. With simple considerations, you can make sure your dog is comfortable, happy, and out of harm’s way.