Paw-esome Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

We’re finally putting cold behind us as a summer heatwave is approaching, so we’re here to give you a couple of tips on how to keep your pet safe and healthy through the hot weather months.

1. Start off by taking your pet in for a checkup. Warm weather means bugs and worms, so be sure to talk to your vet about preventative treatment for things like ticks and worms.
2. Make water available at all times! If you’re out for a walk, be sure to bring water for your pet. You can purchase collapsable bowls that roll up nicely and fit into your pocket or bag. Some cool options can be found here. Your pet doesn’t even need to be running around to work up a sweat, so we cannot stress the importance of hydration enough!
3. If your dog is super furry, take him or her in for a trim. Do NOT shave your pet, as fur protects their skin from sunburn.
4. If you use insecticides on your plants or citronella candles and insect coils, keep them far out of reach of your pets. They are poisonous and can cause severe illness or even death. For more information visit https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ or call (855) 764 7661. If you suspect your pet has consumed anything poisonous, take them to a pet hospital or vet clinic immediately.
5. Fireworks are great but leave your dog at home when you go out to celebrate. Fireworks contain hazardous materials and are often unpredictable. More commonly, most dogs are terrified of them. Loud noises can disorient your dog and leave them traumatized. Sometimes, they’ll take drastic measures to get away from the sound like jumping fences, or taking off.  In fact, significantly more dogs go missing on Canada Day and the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.
6. NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short amount of time. We know you don’t want to leave your companion at home for long stretches, but it is healthier for them to be at home away from the sun and heat then it is to be locked in a hot car. It’s also ILLEGAL in many states and provinces.
7. Know the signs of heatstroke. The major ones include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, weakness, disorientation - and sometimes even bloody diarrhea,  or seizures. For more information visit: https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_heat_stroke
8. Pavement or asphalt gets very hot in the summer. Avoid making your dog walk on it as the pads of their paws will overheat and could even burn. Walk on the grass where possible or keep them inside on extremely hot days.

So there you have it! By following these guidelines and keeping these points in mind, you can keep your pet safe and happy.