Summertime Safety for Dogs

As the weather warms up and summer rolls in, we have lots of fun activities to look forward to. Many of our canine friends also love summertime! Summer can bring some specific hazards for your dog, however, so you’ll want to take steps to keep your furry pal healthy and safe in hot weather. In this article, an Oconomowoc, WI, veterinarian offers summertime safety tips for dogs.

Before taking Fido swimming, make sure he knows and obeys the five basic commands, which are Sit , Stay , Come , Heel , and Lay Down . This will allow you to keep him away from docks, dangerous currents, and other hazards. If you’re visiting a pool, immediately show Fido where the stairs are, so he can get out by himself. Also, be careful of your pooch’s furry feet: Fido’s paw pads will be very delicate after he’s been swimming, and much more prone to painful blisters and cuts.

Grilling is definitely a great perk of warm weather. Keep a close eye on Fido at barbeques, however, as many of our favorite summertime treats are bad for our canine friends. Onions, garlic, chives, grapes, chocolate, avocados, and alcohol are some things often found at grill outs that are very dangerous for dogs. Secure trash and leftovers immediately, and carefully monitor what your furry pal eats. Also, watch out for open gates. You don’t want your pooch running off!

Heat can be very dangerous for dogs. Keep Fido cool by allowing him free access to rooms with air conditioning or fans and providing him with unlimited fresh water. You’ll also want to be careful not to overexert senior dogs; puppies; small dogs; and dogs with pushed-in faces, such as pugs, in hot weather. Finally, never ever leave your dog locked in a car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly in a very short time!

Thunderstorms, fireworks, and even the noise from road construction can be very scary for our canine friends. Sometimes dogs get so frightened that they run away, or injure themselves in panic. Keep Fido safe indoors when things get noisy. Try putting him in an interior room with a radio or TV on to mask the noise. Don’t confine him, though: this may just add to his anxiety!

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Call us, your Oconomowoc, WI, veterinary clinic, anytime!