Warm Weather Safety Tips for Your Pup

It doesn’t get much hotter than summer in Texas. While you’re planning for long days of soaking up the sun with your dog, it’s important to realize the potential dangers that hot weather can pose for your little furball. To avoid overheating for your little guy or gal, refer to these helpful tips!

1. Keep a lifeguard on duty!

Even if your dog is a super-swimmer, some human supervision around pools and bodies of water is always a good idea. Additionally, rinse your furry best friend off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur, and remind them that pool water is not for drinking! Introduce new pups to water gradually, and always make sure your little buddy is equipped with a floatation device when on boats or docks.

2. Fur is your dog’s friend.

Giving your pup a trim before to summer to get rid of longer hair is a perfect idea, but be careful to never entirely shave your furry family member. The layers of their coat actually help to protect them from sunburn and overheating.

3. Walk with caution!

Just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean that you have to forgo getting some outdoor exercise with your canine, but it does require more careful planning and consideration. During periods of high temperatures, hot asphalt can burn your little guy or gal’s paw pads, potentially causing pain or permanent damage. Keep walks to a minimum during high temperatures, or consider playing a brief game of fetch outside in the backyard!

4. Canine car safety.

Road trips are fun, but only together. Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle, especially in times of high heat. This can lead to fatal heat stroke for your furry best friend, and it could lead to some legal consequences too!

5. Schedule an early summer visit AVC.

The beginning of summer is the perfect time to ensure that your pet is in their best condition possible. Schedule an appointment with AVC either on the phone or online to double check that your pup is ready for a summer full of outdoor fun and snuggles. Also, be sure to ask your vet-tech about heartworm testing if your pooch isn’t already on a year-round preventative medication.

Have any more questions about how you can keep your dog safe this summer? Get in contact with us here at AVC online or by phone today!