From beach trips to leisurely days in the park, summer can be an exciting time for dogs and their owners. While this time of year is often reserved for relaxation and fun, pet owners must also protect their pups from the dangers of the season. To help your canine companion stay happy, healthy, and safe this summer, here are a few essential pet care tips that veterinarians recommend.

5 Dog Care Tips for Summer

1. Stay Wary of Heatstroke

Like humans, dogs are at risk of heatstroke when they’re exposed to high outdoor temperatures. To avoid this life-threatening emergency, it’s best to only take your dog outside during cooler hours of the day. If you’re driving, you must never leave your dog in the vehicle after you’ve exited, as cars can become hot extremely fast. Canine signs of heatstroke include vomiting, fever, and difficulty breathing.

2. Prevent Sunburn

If you have a short-haired dog, talk to your veterinarian about animal-friendly sunscreens that you can apply before going outdoors. Given their shorter coats, these breeds face a higher risk of sunburn.

3. Provide Fresh Water

One way that dogs cool down is by panting, which is a process that releases moisture into the lungs to lower internal body temperatures. However, excessive panting causes dehydration. To ensure your pet has enough fluids, make sure they always have fresh, cool water available. Be wary of puddles that your dog wants to drink from as they may contain toxic chemicals, like antifreeze from cars.

4. Invest in Flea & Tick Protection

Although veterinarians encourage pet owners to practice flea and tick prevention all year, it’s particularly crucial in the summertime as these pests are more active. The use of topical flea and tick preventives keeps these bugs at bay and saves your pup from transmittable diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

5. Walk on the Grass

When you’re outside, pay attention to the temperature of the sidewalk. On sweltering days, pavement can heat up so much that it burns canine paws. If it’s too hot, stick to walking on grassy areas.

If you’re concerned about your pup’s SPF protection, Greatwood Veterinary Hospital is here to provide prompt and compassionate care. Located in Richmond, TX, this animal hospital is recognized for a gentle, yet effective, approach to pet care. Always putting the patient first, you can count on these veterinarians to deliver treatments that are optimized for your companion’s specific needs. View their services online, or call (281) 342-7770 to schedule an appointment.