How To Have A Safe Summer (With Your Dog)

It’s summertime, which means lots of outdoor fun. But it also means paying close attention to your dogs, to ensure they stay safe in the heat. Keep reading for a quick primer on how to make this summer healthy and comfortable for the various non-human members of your family.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe In The Summer Heat

Chihuahua wearing sunglasses, resting its head and paws on the tube of a pool floaty. Next to its head is a rubber duck.

Dogs love to be outside, but they also get overheated quickly in temperatures in excess of 80°, particularly when humidity is high. And, if you live in the city, temperatures can get even hotter than what the weatherman scrolls across the screen.

Keep an eye on your pet, particularly when the sun is blazing. If you don’t have time to monitor their outdoor activities, Chicago Urban Pets can walk them for you so you don’t have to worry about heatstroke or other sun-related injuries.

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Offer Lots Of Water For Hydration

Yellow lab drinking water flowing from a garden hose, held by a human.

How much water does your dog need during the summer? According to Just Right, dogs n eed a minimum of one ounce of water for each pound of their weight. In other words, a 90-pound boxer needs at least 90 ounces of water. If they are super active, particularly when they are outdoors, they may consume one and a half to two times as much.

Steer Clear Of Pavement To Protect Dog’s Paws

Beagle Puppy walking on leash through a grass field.

When you live in the city or suburbs, pavement is part of the package. But if possible, keep your dog’s delicate paws off of non-grassy areas. If you absolutely must expose them to asphalt, concrete, or aggregate, Shallowford Animal Hospital notes that there are many ways to keep them from experiencing a burn, including using paw wax or dog shoes.

Do Not Leave Your Dog (or other pet) In A Hot Car

Light brown dog laying on a tile floor in front of a fan.

Need to run an errand but your pup can’t go into the store with you? Leave them at home! Your car heats up much quicker than you think, and it only takes half an hour — even on a mild, 70° day — for your car to reach temperatures in excess of 100°. Each year, many otherwise responsible pet owners lose their beloved companions to heatstroke thinking that a cracked window is enough.

Don’t Shave Your Pet At The Groomers (before consulting your vet)

Dogs, cats, and other animals have fur for a reason. It keeps them warm during the winter but also serves as a way to protect them from the heat during the summer months. Furthermore, shaving your dog may leave them susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about whether cutting down their coat will provide relief or cause more harm than good.

Summer With Your Dogs Can Be So Much Fun!

Summer is a time for fun, but your pet won’t feel that way if they get overheated. The tips above, from hydrating your dog, to keeping your animal’s fur intact, are hot tips for a cool summer. If you still have questions, remember that your veterinarian is the best person to ask about issues specific to your pet.

Chicago Urban Pets is your personal dog walking and cat sitting pet care service. If you live in Chicago, near River North or Lakeview East, we have you covered year round. Check out our services here.

Guest Post: Nick Burton