7 Dog Summer Safety Tips

Provide Sun Protection

You might be surprised to learn that dogs can get sunburned, even with all that fur. The most vulnerable areas are the nose, ears and face, where hair is usually sparse. Dogs with white coats and very thin coats are also more susceptible to sunburn. To protect your dog’s delicate skin, apply a dog-safe sunscreen before prolonged sun exposure, and reapply as directed on the product package.

Consider Water Safety

Most dogs can swim, but some breeds don’t swim as well as others. Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs can struggle in the water. If you’re dog’s swimming skills aren’t excellent, consider using a dog life jacket so they can swim safely.

When playing at the beach, keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they can handle the waves well, and watch your dog for signs of exhaustion. Some dogs have so much fun playing that they don’t want to stop for a break, and exhaustion can be a dangerous combination with strong waves or undertow.

Don’t let your dog drink too much ocean water, as this can make them sick. Salt toxicity can occur when dog drink too much salt water. Bring fresh water for your dog to drink and take them home if they can’t seem to stop drinking the sea water.

In a backyard pool, teach your dog how to enter the pool safely, and make sure your dog knows how to find their way to the stairs to exit. Don’t let your dog drink too much chlorinated pool water, which can upset their stomach. Never leave your dog unsupervised with access to a pool; make sure you have a locked gate that separates your dog from the pool area when you are not watching.

Protect Paws

A dog’s paw pads are tough, but dogs can burn their pads if they walk on hot pavement, cement, or sand. On very hot days, it’s best to walk your dog at dawn and dusk, before the temperatures soar. Before letting your dog walk on hot ground, test it first with your hand or your own foot. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. If your dog must walk on hot ground, protect their paws with dog boots and try to find shady areas for walks.