Summer is a great time to spend afternoons in the sun, at the beach, hiking, and participating in many other fun activities with your dog.
But despite all the fun and enjoyment summer brings, it also comes with its own unique hazards that pet owners need to be aware of.
Understanding these hazards and knowing how to prepare your dog for summer will make the time more enjoyable for you and your canine companion!
RELATED: Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer?
How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer
The summer heat can harm your dog, but that isn't the only hazard.
Dogs need special care in the summer, and we, as pet owners, are responsible for understanding and meeting these needs.
There are many simple things you can do to protect your dog during the summer months, including:
- NEVER leave your dog in a hot car
- Don't walk your dog on hot asphalt. It will burn the pads of his feet.
- Don't leave your dog tied out or in an outdoor kennel that does not provide an escape from the sun and the heat.
These things may seem like common sense, but sadly, not all pet owners understand the dangers of the summer heat, which can be detrimental to their dogs.
Preparing your dog for summer isn't just about the simple things. Some may take extra time and money, but they will make things easier for both of you in the long run.
Prevent Dehydration
Hydration is the most important thing in any season, especially in summer, whether indoors or out.
An unlimited supply of fresh, cool, clean water is an absolute must for outdoor dogs.
Just make sure that the water is always fresh; otherwise, your dog might use standing water that potentially contains parasites and poisons.
An automatic water dispenser is one of the easiest and most convenient methods you can set up to keep your dog's water fresh.
Some models hook up to an outdoor hose to ensure that fresh, clean water is always available.
Others require that you monitor the amount of water in the reservoir and refill it when necessary.
That said, how much water does your dog need?
Dogs require one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.
This may vary depending on your dog's age, any special health problems, whether pregnant or lactating, and other circumstances.
Check with your vet about the amount of water your dog should drink.
If your dog doesn't seem to drink enough water, you can always add a tasty treat to his water bowl to make it more appealing.
You can buy water additives at your local pet store, but low-sodium chicken or beef broth works too.
Just a small amount added to your pet's water should greatly increase their water intake.
RELATED: The Guide to Water Intoxication in Dogs
Prevent Heat Stroke
When discussing how to prepare your dog for summer, it is crucial to explain the prevention of overheating.
Heatstroke is common during the summer and is more common in some breeds than others.
Keep some kind of cooling system on hand.
A cold, wet towel placed on the dog's underside will usually do the trick, although you can also buy cooling vests and mats that help prevent heat stress and stroke.
Heatstroke is a very real danger for dogs. It is something that you should take very seriously.
It can cause nausea, brain damage, loss of consciousness, and even death.
When the temperature outside is above 80 degrees, even a short walk can overheat your dog, especially if you have a senior dog or an overweight one.
Quick Tip: Limit your dog's outdoor exercise to early mornings and evenings when the days are really hot.
Symptoms of a heat stroke include:
- elevated temperature
- heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- excessive drooling
- increased heart rate
- diarrhea and vomiting
- a glazed or anxious expression
- redness around the eyes
- weakness
- sudden collapse
If your dog appears to be struggling with the heat, get him to a cool place with plenty of water and put a cool, wet towel on his underside.
If he doesn't improve within a few minutes, take him to your vet or an animal emergency center.
RELATED: Suffering From Heat Stroke, This Dog Would Have Died If This Didn't Happen
Prevent Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are dormant in the winter, but they are very active in summer.
Fleas can be contracted especially easily. They can be found in almost any outdoor climate; your pet can also get them from other animals.
Ticks are active outdoors and most commonly found in areas of high grass, brush, woodpiles, and forested regions.
Be sure to check your dog for fleas and ticks regularly, and apply some kind of preventive medicine to keep them at bay.
There are many types of flea and tick treatments on the market: collars, oral pills, and topical liquids that can be applied directly to the dog's skin are the most common.
If your dog has skin sensitivities, an oral pill may be your best option.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any kind of flea and tick treatment.
Some of these treatments kill fleas and ticks; some kill fleas and repel ticks; some only kill fleas; and some are effective on more than just fleas and ticks.
Since every region has different pests, you should ask your vet about the type of treatment that would work best in your part of the country.
You may not need to protect your pet from ticks if they are not common in your area, but you may need to buy a product that kills ticks if they are very prevalent near your home.
IMPORTANT: Monitor your dog closely for an allergic reaction when using a particular preventive for the first time.
RELATED: 4 Tips & Tricks for Navigating Peak Flea and Tick Season
Prevent Internal Parasites
It is common for pets to pick up internal parasites in the summer months.
Many of them come from drinking standing water found outdoors. Your dog may also contract them from eating things that they shouldn't.
Worms are one of the most common internal parasites. Luckily, they're also easily treated (as long as they're treated as soon as possible!)
Types of worms include:
- roundworms
- heartworms
- tapeworms
- hookworms
Have your dog checked for internal parasites and treated if necessary.
Also, be sure to observe your dog regularly. If their eating or bathroom behavior changes, it may be a sign of worms or another internal parasite.
Worms may also be seen in your dog's feces.
While most internal parasites (excluding heartworms) are not life-threatening in adult dogs, they can cause conditions such as anemia, irritation and inflammation of the intestines, watery or bloody diarrhea, and weight loss.
In puppies, parasites can stunt growth and sometimes kill.
Some canine parasites can also spread to humans, so you must treat them diligently.
RELATED: A Vet’s Guide to Dewormers for Dogs: The What, Why, and When
Proper Summer Grooming
Canines need to be groomed more often during the summer months, but not really to cool them down.
Daily brushing helps alert you to hot spots, other skin irritations, fleas, and ticks, and removes mats and excess hair.
This is especially important for dogs with thick fur or an undercoat.
Nature designed a dog's coat to regulate its temperature. It helps keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Shaving, clipping, or drastic trimming interferes with your dog's natural cooling system and may actually harm him.
If you do clip him, be sure to leave at least an inch of fur. This should leave enough of a coat for his natural cooling and warming system to perform.
A dog's coat also helps prevent sunburn and biting insects from terrorizing it.
A bad sunburn can be as painful to a dog as it is to us, and dogs are also susceptible to skin cancer.
There are sunscreens made especially for dogs, but if you cannot find one, a mild sunscreen can be used for babies and small children.
At the very least, his nose and the tips of his ears should be protected.
An extremely matted dog or one with skin conditions due to a matted coat may need a close haircut.
If your veterinarian or groomer recommends that your dog be clipped very close or shaved, limit his time in the sun to morning and evening, and apply even more sunscreen.
Letting a professional groomer perform this kind of haircut is a good idea.
RELATED: Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer?
The Natural Environment
Sometimes, pet owners unknowingly use chemicals in their summer garden that can poison dogs.
Not only that, but many common plants and flowers can also be toxic to dogs!
Check your garden for poisonous plants.
ASPCA has specifically warned pet owners about:
- lilies
- marijuana
- sago palm
- tulip/narcissus bulbs
- azalea/rhododendron
- oleander
- castor bean
- cyclamen
- kalanchoe
- yew
- amaryllis
- autumn crocus
- chrysanthemum
- English ivy
- peace lily
- pothos
- Schefflera
Ingesting or even simply being in contact with any of these can cause severe reactions in dogs, including death.
Other common causes of dog poisoning are fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and compost piles.
Most fertilizers do not present much of a problem other than an upset stomach.
However, if it contains a large amount of iron, herbicides, and insecticides, it can cause more serious reactions.
Watch out for cocoa mulch and disulfoton in fertilizers.
Cocoa mulch, which dogs find quite tasty, contains caffeine, which is hazardous to dogs in large amounts. Ingesting this will cause signs and symptoms similar to chocolate poisoning.
Disulfoton, on the other hand, is primarily used with roses. Dogs have suffered a serious reaction just by digging in the ground around a treated rose plant.
If insecticides and herbicides are not applied properly, they can also cause problems.
In the case of liquid fertilizers, keep dogs, cats, and other pets off treated areas until they are dry.
Compost piles can be very attractive to dogs, but they are dangerous, too.
They contain food scraps that dogs are generally forbidden to eat at home, which makes them all the more irresistible.
The decomposition of organic matter is also very attractive to certain types of fungi, many of which are poisonous. Ingesting these fungi can make your dog extremely sick.
If you have a compost pile, put a fence or some barrier around it.
Whatever product you use, just check any chemical ingredients on your lawn or garden.
Looking for natural alternatives or researching safe, pet-friendly products would be best.
FAQs
How can I keep my dog cool during hot summer days?
Keep your dog cool by providing constant access to fresh, cool water and shaded areas.
Avoid midday walks; instead, exercise early in the morning or after sunset.
Use cooling mats or vests, and never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a few minutes.
Is it safe to shave my dog’s coat in the summer?
In most cases, shaving your dog is not recommended unless advised by a vet.
A dog’s coat acts as insulation against heat and sunburn. Double-coated breeds, in particular, rely on their fur for temperature regulation.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Signs include excessive panting, drooling, red gums, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse.
If you notice any of these, move your dog to a cooler place immediately, offer water, and seek emergency veterinary care.
Should I change my dog’s diet during summer?
You generally don’t need to change your dog’s diet, but hydration is key.
Some owners add wet food or broth to meals to boost water intake. Always consult your vet before making dietary adjustments.
How often should I walk my dog during the summer months?
Limit walks to early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Test pavement heat with the back of your hand—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Summer Preparation for Dogs: Before You Go…
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy time spent with your pet, but you must take the proper precautions.
Knowing how to prepare your dog for summer is part of being a responsible pet owner!
The better prepared you are, the more fun you and your pet will have on those hot summer days.
Related Articles
- Huskies in Summer: Can They Keep Up with the Heat?
- 10 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool Outside In Summer
- Itchy Dogs in Summer: What It Is and How To Treat It
WANT TO SHARE THIS?
