Summer has arrived and temperatures are starting to rise. Are you ready to exercise your dog in the heat?
Before you do, you must learn how to keep your dog safe in the heat. You might also want to get a few ideas for activities you can do with your pooch during the hot months ahead.
Read on to find out more!
Fun Summertime Activities for Dogs
If you want to have fun with your dog no matter how hot it is, we’ve got you covered. Here are some fantastic ways to exercise your four-legged friend during the summer season.
Take a Dip in the Pool
Some dogs absolutely love getting in the water. If that sounds like your pup, go for a swim.
Just remember to take all the proper precautions, such as:
· Constantly supervising your dog while in the pool.
· Teaching your canine how to swim and get out of the pool.
· Making sure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated or overheated while swimming.
· Not allowing your dog to drink pool water.
· Rinsing your dog off before heading back inside.
Find Other Ways to Play in Water
Don’t have an in-ground pool? No problem. Your pup can still play with water. Just turn on the sprinklers and let your dog run through them.
Or you could buy a kiddie pool for your fur baby to splash around in. Whatever you do, always supervise your dog’s water-related activities. Keeping your fur ball safe (while having fun!) is worth the extra effort.
Make a Cool Treat for Your Dog
We all crave a refreshing treat during the peak of summer. That includes your precious pet. Check out the AKC’s website for a tasty, dog-friendly treat.
Play Hide and Seek Inside
When it’s too hot to head outside, play with your dog in the house. Hide and seek is a great game for those days you have to stay inside.
Here’s how it’s done:
· Hide some treats in different spots in your home.
· Encourage your dog to find the treats.
· Once your dog gets the hang of that, you can try hiding from your pet.
· Let your dog find you. After you’ve been discovered, offer plenty of praise and treats.
Take a Camping Trip
Spending time in the great outdoors with your beloved furry pal is one of the best ways to enjoy summer. When getting ready to go camping, keep the following in mind:
· If it’s hot in your local area, choose a campsite that’s located in a cooler climate.
· Make sure your dog is suited for a camping trip. (Well trained, properly socialized, calm in new situations, etc.)
· Find a campsite that allows dogs.
· Don’t forget to pack your dog’s essential pet care supplies.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Heat
Before you head out to enjoy those fun activities listed in the previous section, make sure you know how to safely exercise your dog in the heat.
Here are some great summer safety tips for dogs.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water
Keeping your canine hydrated is crucial during a heatwave. That’s why you should regularly refill your dog’s water bowl with fresh water. When the weather really warms up, try putting some ice cubes in your dog’s water to cool it down.
Let Your Dog Rest in the Shade
Whenever you are out in the heat with your pet, direct your pup to the shade. This break from the sun will be good for you too.
Don’t Leave Your Dog in the Car
Never ever leave your dog in the car, no matter how quickly you plan on getting your errands done. It only takes minutes for your car to heat up.
For example, on a 90-degree day, the inside of your car can reach 109 degrees in just 10 minutes. Of course, your car will get even warmer if the outside temperature exceeds 90 degrees.
Talk about toasty!
And by the way, leaving the windows open doesn’t really help. That’s why it’s best to keep your dog at home when running errands.
Go Easy on Hot Days
Reduce the duration and intensity of your dog’s exercise sessions on hot days. This will prevent heatstroke.
Watch out for Signs of Heatstroke
During the summer season, you should always be on the lookout for signs of heatstroke. Those signs include:
· Excessive panting
· Difficulty breathing
· Increased heart rate
· Bright red gums
· Drooling
· Vomiting
· Stupor
· Collapse
If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your vet immediately.
Dog Walking in the Heat
We’ve already shared some great summertime activities for dogs. We’ve also given some helpful summer safety tips. But what about walking your pup during warmer months?
While it’s possible to keep walking your dog through the summer season, you have to be smart about it. Read this section to learn more.
Walk in the Morning or Evening
If your dog is accustomed to a midday stroll, you will have to change your walking schedule. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to walk your dog during the hot summer months. This will keep you and your canine out of the heat of the day.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
Hot surfaces like asphalt, gravel, and pavement can fry your dog’s paw pads. To prevent this injury, test those surfaces before letting your pup walk on them.
Simply touch the ground and try to hold your hand in place. If you can’t, don’t let your dog walk on that surface.
You can also direct your dog to walk on the grass. This is a much safer option when the weather warms up.
Don’t Forget to Bring Water
If you walk your dog on a hot day, don’t leave the house without water. Bring some along for you and your pet.
When giving your dog water on the go, you have two options:
· Buy a collapsible bowl and fill it with water whenever you take a break from walking.
· Buy a water bottle created specifically for dogs.
While it’s great to know about safe dog walking in the heat, you might not always feel like doing it. We can’t blame you for that.
That’s why we would be happy to do it for you!
With our professional dog walkers on the job, your pup will be in good hands.
Book an appointment today!