Dog Safety Essentials for Summer Fun

Summer is finally here, and with it comes endless opportunities for fun in the sun with your furry best friend. Make sure to keep your dog's safety top of mind during these warm months.

One of the biggest risks to your dog's safety in the summer is heatstroke, which can occur when your dog is left in a hot car or without access to shade and water.

As you plan your summer outings, remember that dogs can quickly become overheated, even in temperatures as low as 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

To prevent heatstroke, always provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and a cool place to rest.

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Summer is here, and with it comes the need to take extra precautions to keep your furry friend safe. Never leave your pets in a parked car, even for a minute, as temperatures inside can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and 120 degrees after 30 minutes.

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Limit exercise on hot days by adjusting intensity and duration according to the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears or short-nosed pets. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible.

Here are some dog breeds that are at higher risk for sunburn: ColliesAustralian SheepdogsDalmatiansBulldogsWhippets

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Exercise on hot days can be a challenge for both you and your furry friend. Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours when the temperature is cooler.

Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.

On very hot days, limit exercise to 5-10 minutes at a time, or until your dog is panting heavily. This will help prevent overheating.

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If you have a strong and enthusiastic swimmer, letting them take a dip in a swimming pool or lake can be a great way to burn energy on a hot day. Just be sure not to overdo it with the doggy paddle.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when exercising your dog on hot days:

By following these tips, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable on hot days.

Dogs are amazing animals, and despite their incredible abilities, they remain largely misunderstood by humans. They love us unconditionally and protect our homes, but they also have a natural instinct to chase and dig.

A dog bite is often seen as a mean or bad dog behavior, but it's usually just normal dog behavior. To prevent dog bites, we need to understand what motivates the dog to bite and modify both human and dog behavior.

Doggone Safe provides educational materials for schools and community health departments to promote dog bite prevention. These low-cost materials can be used to teach children and adults about safe interactions with dogs.

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To reduce risk, we need to be aware of the situations that may trigger a dog bite. Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, scared, or protective of their family or territory.

Here are some situations that may increase the risk of a dog bite:

By being aware of these situations and taking steps to prevent them, we can reduce the risk of dog bites and create a safer environment for everyone.

As you take your furry friend to the dog park, it's essential to prioritize their health and safety. Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, and a rapid heartbeat.

Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke, and some breeds, like boxers and pugs, are more susceptible due to their short muzzles. Ensure your dog has access to cold drinking water and shade, and limit outdoor play to 5-10 minutes at a time on extremely hot days.

Make sure your dog is up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medications, and watch for any abnormal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or sneezing before heading to the dog park. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a fun and safe trip for everyone.

If your pet has a heat stroke, it's crucial to act fast. Get them to the emergency vet ASAP. Depending on the severity, treating your pet for heat stroke could require a multi-day hospital stay in the ICU and might involve blood product transfusions, which could cost $5,000–15,000 or more.

You may still feel the heat from the vet bill that comes along with emergency treatment. A base accident and illness policy could help cover the costs of your pet's care if they have heat stroke when you buy a Lemonade dog health insurance policy.

If you see signs of heat stroke, such as excessive panting, diarrhea, vomiting, salivating, collapsing, or feeling warm to the touch, don't hesitate to take action. Monitor your pet's temperature, and if it's over 102.2 degrees, it's an emergency.

Here are the signs of heat stroke:

Your dog should be vaccinated for rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella, and the canine flu, especially if they frequently visit the dog park.

Ask your vet for recommendations based on the risks in your area.

A 12-week-old puppy doesn't have full immunity to diseases like parvovirus, so it's best to wait until after their puppy vaccine series and vet clearance before taking them to the dog park.

If your dog is over four or five months old, it's likely safe to take them to the dog park after their second set of shots. However, if they're younger, they haven't developed immunity to contagious diseases yet, increasing the risk of illness.

The safest time to take your dog to the dog park is after their puppy vaccine series and vet clearance.

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Sunburn on dogs is a real concern, and it's not just about their fur coat. Just like humans, dogs' skin is sensitive to the sun.

Dogs can get sunburned on their noses, ears, and tummies, which are often the most exposed areas. Red skin that's sensitive to the touch is a common sign of sunburn.

Dry, cracked skin is another indication that your dog might be suffering from sunburn. This can be accompanied by whimpering in pain when you pet them.

If your dog has a sunburn, they might also develop a slight fever. In severe cases, you might notice curled edges on their ears or even hair loss.

In extreme cases, sunburn can lead to skin ulcers or skin infections. These are serious conditions that require veterinary attention.

Here are some common sunburn signs to look out for on your dog:

Keep in mind that most sunburn cases are mild, and can be soothed with aloe vera. But it's always best to consult with your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Grooming is an essential part of pet care, and it's not just about making your furry friend look good.

Trimming a long-coated dog during the hotter months can help prevent rashes that develop from a wet undercoat.

Dogs that like to swim can benefit from a haircut, as it reduces their risk of getting a "wet dog" smell.

A shorter hairdo won't reduce a long-coated dog's risk of overheating, so don't worry about that.

Regular grooming can help identify any skin issues or infections early on, making it easier to address them.

Make sure your furry friend always has access to plenty of fresh, cool water. Get a collapsible travel dog bowl so you can always pour your pal a drink.

Dehydration is a risk for pets, especially in warm weather, so keep an eye on your dog's water intake. If your dog is showing signs of dehydration—like sunken eyes, loss of appetite, panting, or a dry nose—call your veterinarian or the nearest animal emergency center immediately.

You can encourage your dog to drink more by adding low sodium broth or water to their food. Ice cubes may be more fun to play with than drinking water, but they're still a great way to keep your dog hydrated.

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In general, your dog's diet shouldn't change during the warm months. However, if you notice that your high-energy dog is unable to maintain their weight in the heat, they may need a higher calorie intake.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan your dog's snacks and meals for a full-day outing:

Your furry friend's health is a top priority, and there are several things you can do to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations, including rabies, distemper/parvo, Bordetella, and the canine flu. This is crucial, especially if they regularly visit the dog park.

To prevent heatstroke, keep an eye out for signs like heavy panting, glazed eyes, and excessive thirst. Some breeds, like boxers, pugs, and shih tzus, are more prone to heatstroke due to their short muzzles.

If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or a dry nose, call your veterinarian immediately. Dehydration can be a serious issue, especially in warm weather.

To prevent pests and diseases, discuss your regional and seasonal concerns with your vet and stay on top of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medications. This will help keep your dog safe and healthy.

Here are some dog breeds that are at higher risk for heatstroke:

Before taking your dog to the dog park, ensure they're well and not exhibiting any abnormal symptoms, such as vomiting or sneezing. If they're not feeling their best, it's best to keep them home.

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Hot weather can be a major concern for dog owners at the park. It's safest to avoid hot, humid days when there is a high risk of heat stroke, unless you have a climate-controlled indoor dog park in your area.

Dogs often play until they are worn out and can become overheated on hotter days. Mornings and evenings are ideal since temperatures are cooler.

Consider the age of your dog when taking them to the park. Many dogs at the dog park are unvaccinated, and there is a risk of infectious diseases (such as parvovirus). This is especially true in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies. The highest risk is for new puppies less than five months old.

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Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

As you're planning a fun-filled day at the dog park, it's essential to prioritize your furry friend's safety. Limit exercise on hot days by adjusting the intensity and duration of playtime according to the temperature. On very hot days, it's best to limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.

To ensure a safe and fun trip, follow these dog park safety tips:

Know the dog park rules before heading out, as they may include requirements for dog size, vaccine requirements, collars, leashes, and more. Aggressive dog behavior should never be tolerated.

If you have a small dog, consider looking for parks that cater to their specific size to ensure their safety in case of a dog fight. It's also a good idea to check if the park has a small dog section.

When taking your puppy to the dog park, be aware of the risks of infectious diseases like parvovirus. The safest time to take your dog to the dog park is after their puppy vaccine series and your vet has cleared them.

To avoid overcrowding and undesirable behavior, visit the park during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning, later in the evening, or when other people are at work.

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Before heading to the beach with your furry friend, check the temperatures for the day and local regulations to ensure your pup is allowed on the sand.

Even on cooler days, bring a shade covering to protect your dog from too much sun exposure and give them a safe place to rest and cool down.

They should also have access to plenty of fresh drinking water to avoid dehydration.

No matter how careful your dog is, they will inevitably ingest some sand and salt water, which can be dangerous depending on how much they consume.

Early signs of saltwater toxicity, or hypernatremia, include vomiting and diarrhea, so keep a close eye on your pup and get them to the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.

If your dog starts exhibiting neurologic abnormalities, it's a sign of a more serious case, and you should seek veterinary attention right away.