Nothing says fun like Summer! From family vacations and camping trips, to cookouts, pool parties, or just a lazy day fishing, folks in Colorado love having fun in the sun and take advantage of these, and other outdoor activities any chance they get. Because our furry friends are often a part of our leisurely interests, it’s important to understand the safety issues our canines can face this time of year.
Since it’s likely that your four-legged friend will want to be a part of your outdoor activities, here’s a few tips to keep your pup safe this summer:
- Parasite Prevention: Summer invites mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects that can cause detrimental health issues should your pup not be protected. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent parasites and minimize the risks associated with these pests.
- Sunblock: Just as with humans, pets can get sunburns. Find a sunblock that is suitable for dogs and use it!
- Don’t Forget the Shade: If your family pet must be outside, make sure they have plenty of shade. The hot sun will not only sunburn your pooch, it can cause heat stroke. On really hot days, it’s best to let your pup stay indoors.
- Plant Patrol: With summer comes an array of plants, flowers, and weeds. Educate yourself on the plants growing in or around your yard and keep your pup away from those that can poison him.
- Paw Protection: Anyone knows that hot asphalt burns the bottom of a bare foot. The same holds true for a puppy’s paws. Not only can hot pavement burn your pup, it can raise his temperature, causing the potential of overheating. On hot sunny days, take precautionary measures to protect your canine’s paws by using doggy shoes, or wait until it’s cool enough to safely take your bestie on a stroll.
- Hydration: Keep plenty of fresh water available for Rover. A dog needs lots of water to keep his body temperature from becoming too elevated. A regularly maintained kiddie pool can be a great way to provide water access, and who knows, your pup might enjoy a nice swim to cool him off!
- The Obvious!: Never, I repeat, never leave your canine companion in the car! A five-minute errand could mean a heat stroke for your pet, so it’s best to leave him at home.
When out enjoying some summertime fun with your four-legged friend, don’t forget to carry pet waste bags because dogs do poop! Do the right thing and help keep your community clean!
And don’t forget, if you live in Longmont, Niwot, Boulder or the neighboring communities and need a professional pooper scooper for your residential, commercial, or HOA property, call the experienced team at Scoopy Doo’s today! We do the dirty work so you don’t have to!
