Summer is officially here! For dog owners, ‘tis the season for fetch, swimming, doggy play dates, fun outings and tons of summer fun with your pooches. However, just like every other season, summer has its dangers too. Keep your fun in the sun stress-free with these safety tips!
Pack for the Pack
Your dog sees you as the pack leader – and leaders always protect their pack. When you plan fun outings with your pooch, whether it be swimming, hiking, camping, or even a day at the dog park, it’s important to pack the right gear to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
- Bring plenty of water or a refillable container and a doggy bowl. Pups need to hydrate more frequently in hot weather, especially when exercising. Be aware of the signs of dehydration which include excessive drooling or panting, dry nose, and heavy breathing. If you notice these signs, it’s time for your pup to take a break and drink up!
- If you don’t know if there will be any shade at your destination, bring along a beach umbrella. It may also be a good idea to bring a small cooler with an ice pack, or even a wet bandana to help cool off your dogs if they get too hot.
- Pack a toy or two! While dog’s don’t mind playing fetch with sticks, it isn’t a great idea to let them. You never know what bacteria, fungi, or insects could be on the wood. Plus, it’s easy for pups to get splinters and swallow bits of the stick. Pack a frisbee or tennis ball for a safe play time alternative.
- If you plan on taking your pup for a swim, pack a doggy life jacket! If your pooch is a strong swimmer and there are no waves or current in the water, you can keep it nearby to use if you feel it’s necessary. If your dog is a senior, on the small side, or is not a strong swimmer, keep the life jacket on your dog while in the water, and stick to shallow areas! Don’t worry, your pup can still make a splash and do the doggy paddle in a life vest!
- No matter what season it is, it’s always smart to bring a doggy first aid kit. It’s better to be on the safe side!
Tick Preventative
A lot of dog owners have heard before that they only need to worry about ticks in the Fall and Spring – but this is false. Tick and flea bites can happen any time of the year, and it’s important to use a preventative year-round to protect your pooch. Tick bites may sound like minor inconveniences, but they can lead to serious diseases including lymes disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and others.
Talk to your veterinarian to find out which preventatives are best for your pooch!
Dog Training
Summer is a great time to go all-out bonding with your pooch over fun activities, especially if you have off-leash reliability with your dog. That’s where dog training comes in! When your pooch isn’t constantly tugging the leash, behaves in public, and comes instantly when called, it opens up a whole new world of places that you can go together. You’ll have fewer restrictions and be able to enjoy new adventures with your dog, worry-free. A professional dog trainer is a simple avenue to start down that path!
Our dog training programs come with a guarantee to stick for life. If you need professional dog training services, enroll in training camp, leash training, one-on-one sessions and more with Perfect Pooches. What’re you waiting for? Contact us today to get started!