Summer vacation means lots of fun in the sun with your family and your canine counterpart, especially this year when we are more likely to be spending more time at home. However, it also means higher temperatures and increased humidity, two things that can seriously impact the health of your four-legged friend.
If you’re planning to head to the beach, go on a road trip, or even just stay local, it’s important to take extra precautions in the summertime. Here are five ways to keep your dog happy and healthy this summer season.
Groom Your Dog
Making sure your dog’s fur is ready for the summer season is a simple way to keep your pet happy in the hotter temperatures. You can de-shed their fur which will stop their coat from matting and preventing air from reaching their skin, or even just give them a new summer haircut. If you are unsure about the best cut for your dog, talk with your groomer who can recommend a style that will best benefit their breed and fur type.
Plan Your Walks
In the summer, it’s crucial that you plan your dog walks around the increase in temperature. Avoid the highest heats by walking your canine friend in the early morning or late evening. However, remember that the pavement will still be hot for hours after the sun goes down. You can avoid the risk of your dog’s paw pads becoming blistered by finding grassy areas that are away from the asphalt. If you want to further protect their paws, dog booties are great for adding a layer between them and any hot surfaces.
Training Classes
Training classes will not only keep your family occupied when there’s no school to go to, but the air-conditioned classrooms will prevent your pup from overheating. There are some great local training classes that will teach your dog new skills like agility, as well as basic tricks. If you want to train your dog at home, dog training treats can make the whole process easier while helping to build your dog’s confidence. Research the best dog training treats and use them as positive reinforcement when training your dog at home.
A Kiddie Pool
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your dog happy this summer. The simplest of investments like a kiddie pool can help them cool down in the summer heat and not leave you out of pocket. You can also get the whole family involved by combining cooling fun and a poolside photoshoot.
Avoid Hot Cars
A hot car is one of the most dangerous environments for a dog to be in. It only takes a couple of minutes for the temperature inside a closed car to greatly increase, while opening the windows does little to relieve the heat. Leaving the air conditioner running inside the car is also a risk, since if your car stalls, you dog will likely overheat quickly. Instead, plan your outings in advance so that your four-legged friend can come with you, or just leave them at home in the cooler environment indoors.
