How to Keep Your Dog Safe All Summer Long
Summer holidays often mean pool parties, barbecues, bonfires and fireworks. As we enjoy the season, it’s important to keep our canine companions safe and comfortable during our favorite summer activities. By following these tips—from managing fireworks anxiety to ensuring water and heat safety—you can help your canine companion enjoy a happy, healthy summer.
Calming Your Dog During Fireworks and Storms
Dogs can hear sounds up to four times farther away than humans and across a wider range of frequencies, so loud or distant noises, like fireworks or thunder, can feel especially overwhelming to them.
- Whether it’s fireworks, or thunderstorms, doing the booming, you can help your pet feel secure and protected by creating a comfortable den, like a properly introduced crate or cozy dog bed, for them to relax.
- Stay calm and speak in a relaxed, confident tone to reassure your dog they are safe. Make sure their ID tags and microchip information are up to date in case they get out.
- If you’re attending an event with fireworks, leave your dog at home and safely inside. Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Consider leaving the TV on or calm music playing at a normal volume to help distract your dog and help them to relax.
Dog Safety Around Grills and Campfires
Cookouts and campfires are fun, but open flames can be dangerous for dogs. A simple tail wag or curious sniff could lead to injury.
Always supervise your dog around fire—whether it’s a campfire, grill, stove, or beach bonfire.
Water Safety for Dogs
A dip in the swimming pool is the perfect way to beat the heat, but a little caution and training goes a long way.
- If you have a pool, whether your dog likes to swim or not, it’s important to teach your dog how to safely get out of the pool. Dogs will instinctively try to exit a body of water from the point of entry. An inexperienced swimmer can exhaust themself trying to climb out.
- Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, it’s important to regularly remind them where the pool steps are. Teach your dog not to enter the pool without permission. Just like with people, accidents can happen, no matter how confident they are in the water.
- If you're taking your dog to deep or open water, do your research and consider a vet-approved dog life jacket. Let your dog practice wearing, walking, and swimming in it at home or in a pool first, so they're comfortable before heading into larger bodies of water.
- While hot tubs can be a great way for humans to relax, they are not safe for dogs.
- Rinse your dog after swimming. Chlorine can dry out their skin and coat, causing itching and discomfort. It's especially important after swimming in lakes, ponds, or rivers to help prevent ear mites, eye infections, and insects from clinging to their fur.
Hydration and Heat Protection for Your Dog
As we would take the extra steps to protect ourselves from the sun and heat, we need to remember to protect our pets as well.
- Ask your veterinarian about a pet-safe sunblock, preferably one that they cannot lick off. Dogs can also suffer from sunburn and skin cancer.
- Protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement by walking on dirt or grass and sticking to early morning or late evening walks. A dog relies on the sweat glands in their paw pads to cool down, and if the ground is too hot, they won’t be able to get relief.
- Ask your vet or groomer if a haircut will help your dog stay cool. For some breeds, a long coat is a dog’s defense against getting sunburnt and their protection from skin cancer. Additionally, a long coat can keep your pet warmer in the winter and provide insulation in the summer depending on the breed.
- Always provide fresh water for your dog. If your dog stays outside during the day, place the water bowl in a shady spot and use a non-metal bowl to keep the water cooler. When running or traveling with your dog, bring extra water for them to stay hydrated.
Traveling with Your Dog? Don’t Forget These Tips
They call it summer vacation for a reason! If you are planning to bring your dog along for the ride, a few basics can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date identification tag, is microchipped, or both.
- While traveling make sure your pet is properly restrained in a crate (airline- or train-approved, if applicable) or on leash if out and about.
- Last, exercise your pet before you leave and once you arrive at your destination to help them relax and acclimate to their new surroundings.
For more personalized advice and expert guidance tailored to your dog’s needs, don’t hesitate to contact your local Bark Busters dog trainer. They’re ready to help you and your furry friend make the most of every summer moment together!
