Summer is a great time to have fun with our furry friends outside. Here are a few science-backed tips to keep your dog safe and cool!
Most dog owners know the essential tips to keep their fur babies safe during the hot summer months, but here are a few new tips for dog owners that have been gathered from our experts at Morris Animal Foundation.
Leave out water bowls
It’s essential that dogs have access to plenty of cool, fresh water when outside, but sometimes our dogs can get a little rowdy and end up tipping or spilling their water bowls. Lack of water on a hot day can quickly spiral into a medical emergency. We recommend a broad-based, large, and heavy bowl for outdoor water. Don’t use a bucket — many dogs can’t get their mouths inside if it is large, and buckets are easy to tip.
Invest in cooling mats
Consider buying a cooling mat, whether your dog is inside or outside. Some mats can keep cool for several hours, and there are many choices to meet a dog’s unique needs (and an owner’s pocketbook). However, it’s important to keep in mind that a cooling mat does not replace a shaded rest area!
Update microchips
Make sure your dog’s microchip is up to date. With more pups outside or on vacation, lost dogs are a common summer problem. Most chips require a pet owner to pay to keep data accurate, so even though your pet might be chipped, if your data isn’t current, you might have trouble finding a lost pet.
Avoid algae
As our climate changes, algae blooms in water are becoming more common. Many algae produce toxins that are harmful to dogs, and it doesn’t take much to cause a big problem. Algae blooms have a distinctive smell that can tip you off that the water isn’t safe for your pup to drink or play in.
Keep out of the pool
A recent study suggests that exposure to chlorinated water is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in some dog breeds. Until we know more, it’s best to keep your dog out of the pool this summer.
Stay off the grass
Nothing is more inviting than a plush, green lawn, but if pesticides and herbicides have been applied to keep it looking good, it’s best to avoid walking your dog in the area. Both pesticides and herbicides have been linked to cancer (primarily bladder cancer) in some breeds of dogs.
It’s also always important to remember that dogs can quickly overheat in a car or other enclosed space, even with windows cracked or parked in the shade. If it is too hot for people to be outside, it’s too hot for your dog!
