Now that the summer months are approaching fast you might be getting excited to spend long hot days out in the sunshine working on that tan or soaking in the city. You’re going to take lots of precautions for yourself and your kids before spending time in the sun, sun cream, sun hats, lots of water and time in the shade are all so important for keeping safe in the sunshine. So, make sure you are being just as careful when it comes to your dog’s sun safety too! Here are some tips on how to keep your dog healthy and safe this summer.
Keep them cool
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to summer safety for dogs is to keep them cool. They are covered in fur designed to keep them warm, so they need some extra care in the hot weather. Add ice cubes to their water bowl and give them frozen treats, try putting down wet towels for them to lay on and make sure there is always a shady spot for them to cool off in. Never ever leave a dog alone in a car in the hot sun, temperatures can rise to fatal levels extremely quickly, which can end fatally for your pet. If you’re at home and spending a lot of time in your garden, consider a small paddling pool for your dog to enjoy and cool off in.
Medical care
All through the year, you should make sure that you are taking your dog for regular visits to the vet to get health checks and to stay up to date on their vaccinations. To make sure you are always able to get the best health care available for your dog, invest in dog insurance to protect them against any unexpected medical bills. A good pet insurance policy will cost a small monthly premium and protect up to thousands of pounds worth of treatment every year. You can choose plans which cover:
- wellness – vaccinations, routine appointments, medication
- Accidents – broken bones, injuries, etc
- Illness – any treatment for illness or diseases that your pet develops
Keeping your pet protected is so important to keep them safe and healthy, and an insurance plan also protects you and stops you from having to pay out of pocket for any unexpected medical bills. It is worth noting, however, that most pet insurance policies will not take on pets with existing medical problems, so register them early to make sure you are protected for the long term.
Basic care needs
When caring for a dog, you must make sure to care for its basic needs properly. Take them on long walks, but in the summer make sure you do it in the evenings or mornings when the sun is less hot, and test the pavement with your hand to make sure it is not too hot for your dog’s paws. The general rule is that if it is too hot or causes you pain after 5 seconds of touching the pavement, then it is too hot for your dog. Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet, and provide it with regular grooming.
Looking after your dog properly in summer is vital to give it the best care and love it deserves. Take extra steps to help keep your dog cool in the hotter months, and make sure that year-round they are visiting the veterinarian for regular check-ups and staying up to date with all their vaccinations. A good grooming and feeding routine is important too for development and health, as well as regular exercise.
