As temperatures rise, so do the risks for our furry friends. From overheating to poisonous plants, there are plenty of hazards to be aware of when it comes to keeping our pups safe in the sunshine. But fear not! With a little knowledge and preparation, you can keep your canine cool all season long. Here are our top tips for summer safety for dogs.
Toxins
It’s important to be aware of potential toxins that can harm your pup. From poisonous plants like lilies and oleander, to toxic chemicals found in antifreeze or pool cleaners, there are a variety of hazards that can be found outdoors. It is essential for pet owners to take precautions when their dogs are playing in the yard or out on walks. By being familiar with these common toxins, you can ensure that your pup stays safe this summer!
Here is a link to the ASPCA list of plants that can cause mild to severe symptoms in dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants
Snake Guide: https://www.aspca.org/news/what-do-during-snake-encounter-your-pets
Nationwide Pet Poison Line Available 24/7 : (888) 426-4435
Water Safety:
If your dog loves to take a dip, make sure they do so safely. First off, be aware of your pup’s swimming abilities and supervise them at all times. It’s also a good idea to invest in a life jacket, especially for dogs who may not be strong swimmers. When swimming in open water, be mindful of currents, waves, and potential dangers like sharp rocks or debris. And lastly, never leave your dog unattended near water, as accidents can happen even to the most water-savvy of pups. It is also imperative to be mindful of lethal carbon monoxide exhaust fumes on motorized boats. This is especially risky when idling. “Nationwide, there were 571 reported boating-related carbon monoxide poisonings between 1990 and 2004”.
Her favorite pool can be found in my Amazon Shop(links below). Here is the direct link to the 3XL dog pool :
Firework Safety:
As the Fourth of July approaches, it’s important to remember that fireworks can be terrifying to our furry friends. If possible, keep your dog indoors during fireworks displays; if they need to go outside, make sure they are securely leash and/or have secure fencing. You can also try creating a calm, soothing environment indoors with white noise or calming scents. And make sure your dog is microchipped or has proper identification, just in case they get spooked and run off. Speak to your vet about possible medications that can alleviate the stress, if your pup is having a difficult time with noise.
Traveling with Dogs:
If you’re planning on hitting the road this summer with your pupper in tow, be sure to plan ahead for their comfort and safety. Pack plenty of water and food, along with any medications and a first aid kit. If you’ll be staying in a hotel or rental property, double-check that they are pet-friendly and have any necessary accommodations.
A great website that I use for traveling out of state is www.bringfido.com You can type in the city or towns that you are staying in or passing through and it will provide dog friendly accommodations, restaurants and parks. Be sure to call ahead and double check, I have come across a few hotels that changed their pet policy and didn’t update it online. You can also filter dog-friendly vacation homes on both www.airbnb.com and www.vrbo.com
Our Amazon Shop has a section dedicated to all of the dog essentials & extras that I have used and continue to use over the years. I have updated it to include everything I use for camping and hiking in the summer with Bailey.
Temperature Guide for Dogs:
One of the biggest dangers for dogs in the summer is overheating. To keep your pup safe, be aware of the outside temperature and limit time spent outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. As a general rule, if the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s best to keep your dog indoors. Similarly, never leave a dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked; on a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 104 degrees within 30 minutes.
Here are some helpful guides for temperature safety this summer. Remember, when the sun goes down the pavement is still steaming hot for hours!
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
I want to end this guide with an important reminder: Keep them away from corn cobs and onions. My pup loves to nibble corn on the cob, but I do this because she was well trained to nibble and never shows interest in the cob. Even the smallest piece of the inner corn cob can cause an obstruction that requires emergency surgery. So if your pup is an aggressive or unpredictable chomper, avoid the grilled corn sampling. Onions in certain quantities (based on dogs weight) actually cause the dog’s red blood cells to self destruct in response to ingestion and absorption. Keep in mind that onion powder is a highly concentrated amount of onion, so please keep them away from this seasoning.
Wishing you and you furry friend a happy and healthy summer! And remember, every 52 days is a dog year so live it up! Enjoy 🙂
Laura + Bailey
