Summer weather and outdoor adventures go hand-in-hand, especially with your four-legged best friend. But like the other seasons, the summer can present a number of dangers for your little puppy. Knowing more about the common summer obstacles your furry cutie may face helps prevent unwanted situations from occurring. This can be something as serious as […]
Summer weather and outdoor adventures go hand-in-hand, especially with your four-legged best friend. But like the other seasons, the summer can present a number of dangers for your little puppy. Knowing more about the common summer obstacles your furry cutie may face helps prevent unwanted situations from occurring. This can be something as serious as dehydration or overheating.
Take a look at 5 summer hazards you should protect your puppy from:
It’s true that your puppy has fur (and lots of it), but that doesn’t mean they’re safe from potential sunburns. Yes, even puppies can get sunburns like people. Many furry pets have areas on their bodies where their fur is thin, potentially leading to sunlight exposure. You can use a dog-friendly sunscreen if you’re planning to take your puppy out on outdoor trips. Other than that, keep your puppy indoors.
Sunlight isn’t your puppy’s only enemy while you’re outside. Bugs, parasites and other pests are critters you should definitely be on the lookout for. A bite from a snake or an infestation of ticks can make your puppy very sick. Make sure you check your puppy’s fur for ticks, fleas, and other critters after going outside. Always keep away from beehives, scorpions, spiders, and other potentially dangerous animals.
Heat stroke runs a real risk for your puppy during the summer, especially if your puppy is a short-nosed breed like a Bulldog. Play with your puppy outside for a few minutes, and then go inside to refresh. Do not prolong the amount of time under the sun and watch out for signs of a heat stroke. If you notice your furry friend is panting heavily or drinking more water than usual, bring them inside your home and cool them off immediately with wet towels or a fan.
While some dogs are great swimmers, not all dogs are created equally. Even the best puppy swimmer can be susceptible to water danger, like tide waves. Never leave your puppy alone and unattended while swimming in the water. If you’re swimming at a beach, discourage your pup from drinking the seawater. Saltwater can cause dehydration and other health conditions. Even freshwater can make your puppy sick as parasites and bacteria often lurk in lakes and ponds.
It may sound obvious but it’s worth repeating: never leave your puppy (or any pet, for that matter) inside a locked car. The summer weather may not feel too hot at the moment but temperatures can quickly rise inside a car. Let your puppy stay home for the day. If you can’t, then have someone else stay inside an air-conditioned car with your beautiful puppy.
Yes, summertime is fun but always keep an eye out for your fur-baby. Make sure they get plenty of water, rest, and relaxation from playing and joining you on your adventures together. Know what warning signs to look for. When in doubt, contact your vet immediately.
Curious on what items you can use to protect your pooch this summer? Check out our blog, 10 Summer Must-Haves For Your Puppy for our picks on the best summer pet products!
