How to Safely Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer With Your Canine

A dog and long, warm summer days is a recipe for adventure.

Lake trips, hiking, swimming pools, and car rides with the window down, all with that cute pup – this is the stuff memories are made of.

And as it approaches, we all want to guzzle from the hose of summer, drinking it up.

Because once it’s over, we know we’ll have to wait until next summer to do it again.

So with summertime fun on the horizon for you and your best friend, we wanted to make sure you feel prepared with some fresh and safe ways to explore, cool off, and create memories.

Sprinkler Time

Remember running through the sprinkler for hours as a child? Well, your dog may love it, too. Some of our canine friends may not prefer the water, so you’ll want to try it out gently. But if they do, turning the sprinkler on and letting them run and romp through it is a fun and safe way to enjoy summer. And if you have kids, of course, they should be invited to the party too!

Pitch a Tent

Whether it’s in the Rocky Mountains or your own backyard, pop a tent and camp with your pup! Your dog will love ruffin’ it outside with you.

Dog Park Hop

Get out there and make friends – both of you! This is a great activity if you live in an urban area with little access to off-leash areas. Stay socially distanced, but still be social.

Grab Some Lake Vibes

If your dog knows how to swim and loves it, an afternoon at the lake is a great way to beat the heat. You could stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or just let them swim. Don’t forget the life vest if your dog will be in a boat!

See the Sights

Play tourist in your own city with your pup by your side. Before venturing out, check to see which attractions allow dogs. And which have opened back up. You may be surprised – it’s usually more than you’d think.

As you explore and #UnleashAdventure, it’s important to remember that dogs can easily overheat or get dehydrated.

A few tips to stay cool and safe this summer….

If possible, avoid the hottest part of the day.

Plan your walk or hike for early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or in the evening. When you do head out, make sure to check the temperature of the pavement using the 5-second rule. Lay the back of your hand on the road. If you cannot hold it there for 5 seconds, then it is too hot to walk your dog.

Bring fresh drinking water from home for your dog.

River or lake water may contain bacteria, such as Giardia, that can cause a gastrointestinal upset, or Leptospirosis, a bacterial spirochete found in contaminated water, and can cause severe illness or even death. For dogs that spend a great deal of time in the water, consider vaccinating against Leptospirosis every 6 months.

Make sure your furry friends are up-to-date on all vaccines and protected from fleas and ticks.

Ticks can carry several diseases, with Lyme disease being one of the more well-known culprits. If you enjoy an active lifestyle with your dog, check with your vet on the best protocol to keep your furry friends safe from fleas and ticks in your particular area.

Relax in the shade.

Prolonged time in the sun and water can exhaust a dog to the point of heat stroke. And because they’re having so much fun, many dogs don’t know when to stop and rest on their own. Prevent overheating by ensuring your dog takes appropriate rest breaks in the shade.

Never leave your dog in a car unattended.