4 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy In Summer Months

Summer months can be difficult for any pet owner.  During this time, dogs can suffer from    variety of seasonal problems that can affect their overall health and well-being.  To ensure that your dog remains healthy throughout the summer months, you must first understand the most common problems they face.  These tips will ensure that your canine friend remain healthy and happy through the hot summer months.

Knowing When to Walk Your Dog

During summer months, dogs love to go for walks and run.  It may be difficult to read this letting your dog out to play whenever he gets excited.  Unfortunately, summer months are not dog friendly.  Research suggests that during summer months, dogs should not go on long walks or participate in strenuous activity during daylight hours.  Instead, you should try to restrict your dog’s heavy activity to early morning, and the evening time when it is not as hot.

If you do run into a situation where you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the heat of the day, make sure to take cool water with you, and provide your dog plenty of time in the shade.

Taking Your Dog to Outdoor Events

Summer is the time for being outside.  There are plenty of outdoor events for your family to attend.  It is tempting to take your dog to fairs, cookouts, and festivals.  This is because many dog owners see their dog as part of the family, and they want them to be with them at important event.  When taking dogs on family outing, consider their safety before taking them or an outing.  Here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Will shade be readily available to your dog?
• If your dog becomes overheated, will there be access to an air-conditioned car or room?
• What is the highest temperature you can expect for the day? Will it be cloudy or be directly sunny?
• Does your dog thrive on the energy of a crowd or do they find it exhausting?
• Will your dog be stressed out by loud noises, machines, rides, or fireworks while you are out?

Drinking and Swimming – Water Fun

Having water available during summer months is not difficult, but keeping cool in the heat can be extremely challenging. Keeping an insulated backpack will make it a lot easier for everyone involved. Make sure to keep your dog’s water as cool as you keep your own drinks. Make sure to include a travel bowl so you can give your dog a drink frequently.

When it comes time for fun in the water, there are a lot of dogs who love to swim. However, there are some dogs that do not like to play in water. If you have a dog that loves being in water, make sure to help them navigate through the water in a safe way. Purchase a life jacket for them so they are safe around water. They should wear it even if they are on a boat. Make sure to choose bodies of water that have not have reports of parasites, jelly fish, or aquatic life that is not dog friendly.

Fleas, Ticks, and Parasites

With advancements in research, we now know of more threats to our pets than ever before. This is why your vet ensures that your dog has heartworm prevention medication on a regular basis. Make sure you do not change your dog’s heart worm regimen through the summer.

Even though your dog takes heartworm prevention medication does not mean they are immune to parasites. You should also use flea and tick prevention medication that is recommended by your veterinarian, and comb their fur with a flea comb on a regular basis. Check your dog after every outing to make sure to check them for ticks, which can be very dangerous.