Caring For Your Dog - Beating The Heat

Choosing the right dog Home, Sweet, Home Housetraining 101

Grooming 101 The Dreaded Flea Beating the Heat

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Beating The Heat

As the cooler spring weather gives way to the hot summer months, you'll be spending more time outside with your dog, walking and playing in the sunshine. But while you are having fun, you will need to keep your dog cool to protect it from heat-related illness and injury. Below are ten tips to help keep your dog cool and healthy in the summer.

1. Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. This can cause heat stroke and possibly death.
   
2. Avoid strenuous activity with your dog during extremely hot periods of the day.
   
3. After gardening, make sure poisonous plants and fertilisers are out of your dog;s reach. Keep your dog off the lawn for at least 24 hours after a fertiliser is applied.
   
4. Beware of insect bites. If your dog has severe reactions to a bite take it to the veterinarian immediately.
   
5. When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade available.
   
6. Dogs can be sunburned just like humans. White and light coloured dogs are especially sensitive. Apply pet sunscreen on the ears and nose 30 minutes before going out in the sun. If your dog stays outside every day, apply sunscreen daily.
   
7. Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their pads easily.
   
8. Do not allow your dog to drink too much sea water while at the beach.
   
9. Keep your dogs vaccinations up to date. Summer is when dogs meet more often and come into areas where dogs have been.
   
10. Swimming is great exercise, but it uses muscles not often used. Make sure your dog does not tire.

By following these helpful tips, both you and your dog can enjoy the dog days of summer.