Dogs of all breeds and sizes need adequate exercise to stay happy and healthy. Even during the brutal summers, it is pertinent to make sure that your dog is taken on regular walks. Otherwise, excess energy levels may cause your dog to drive you crazy. Even worse is the fact that a lack of exercise can lead to obesity and other health issues. Nevertheless, dog owners must go above and beyond to ensure that their furry friend is protected during the warm summer months. Within this guide, readers will discover the top 10 summer dog walking tips to keep their pooch safe.
1. Bring Water
First and foremost, it is important to understand that dogs may experience many of the health problems humans do. If you don't drink plenty of water, you're going to get dehydrated and your dog may do the same. To prevent this from happening, you should make sure that your dog has sufficient water. This is more crucial when you take your dog on a long walk. If a dog loses 10 to 15% of the water in its body, there is a risk that it'll get sick. In severe cases, the dog may perish. Therefore, it is wise to begin water with you. Make sure that you have a water bottle and bowl. This will ensure that you're able to stop midway through and give your dog something to drink.
2. Watch Closer
Another thing to note is that excessive heat can lead to various health problems with one of the most dangerous being heatstrokes. If your dog experiences this problem, it might be too late to save him. Before heading outside, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the common symptoms associated with heatstrokes. This includes panting, drooling, fever, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. Once you've learned these systems, you'll know how to spot problems so you can act immediately. Doing so may very well save your dog's life if he has a heatstroke. Also, it should be noted that certain dogs are more vulnerable. Boxers, bulldogs, Pugs, and other breeds with shorter noses face great risks.
3. Schedule Wisely
Ultimately, you need to pay close attention to the weather in your area before heading outside. One thing to note is that the temperatures are usually hotter during the middle of the day. In the morning and during the evening, temperatures will drop noticeably. This is a good thing for you and your pooch. To avoid potential problems, you'll want to take your dog on a walk during the cooler portions of the day. Don't head outside when the temperatures are highest because this will increase the risks involved.
4. Be Cautious Of Hot Sidewalks
When it gets hot outside, the sidewalk and concrete will get hotter as well. You may notice since you're wearing sandals or tennis shoes. However, your dog is going to notice a big difference. If you take your dog outside without protection, his paws may get burned. The pavement is too hot so you don't want to expose your furry friend to these dangerous conditions. HappiestDog.com points out that dogs should have paw protection when going for walks during the hot summer months. Don't let your dog walk on the scorching pavement without protection because it could cause serious problems.
5. Don't Push It
While you're at it, you'll want to make sure that you don't overdo it. You take your dog on walks frequently so you should understand his or her tolerance levels better than anyone else. So, you'll want to make sure that you don't push your dog too far. This is more crucial during the summer since overdoing it could lead to serious health complications and death. If you're going to take your dog out, you'll want to limit his exposure to the hot temperatures. Try to get back home sooner so you can avoid issues.
6. Find Shady Areas
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe is by choosing the right paths. If you're walking in the direct path of the sun, it is going to be much hotter for you and your canine friend. This will make you tired quicker and your dog will become dehydrated faster. You know your neighborhood very well so you should know which areas have shady trails and paths. To keep your dog safe, it is a good idea to follow these paths instead of walking directly in the sun.
7. Keep Fleas And Ticks At Bay
Hot weather not only means that you are going to be battling dehydrating and sizzling sun ultraviolet rays. No, it means that you are going to be battling the arrival of insects and parasites as well. Insects and parasites like ticks and fleas. While these creatures are usually found in tall grass and wood, you’d be surprised just how quickly and easily they’ll get on your pet. Even if you are only sticking to concrete or paved trails it is likely that your buddy could get infected. If this is the case, it’ll turn that enjoyable dog walk into an uncomfortable outing. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can combat this. While there are tons of products available online you can easily pick up to repel such creatures, your best option will be speaking with your veterinarian. He or she will likely be able to prescribe you some kind of prescription flea and tick treatment for use throughout the summer months. He or she might also be able to point you in the direction of some quality over the counter products as well.
8. Don’t Forget The Sunscreen
Most people just think that sunscreen in for humans. While there are brands that are specifically designed for humans, there are brands specifically available for your four-legged buddy as well. And, dogs need sunscreen too! Just because they have a big old thick coat, it doesn’t mean that they are going to be protected from the potentially harmful rays of the sun. Plus, there are always spots on every dog that will be pink and exposed. Always keep your dog covered in a sunscreen specifically designed from him before heading out on a walk.
9. Always Leash It
You might think you know your dog. And, you might like to think that he wouldn’t harm anyone or anything, but at the end of the day, he is animal. All dogs are animal at heart and you never know how they are going to act in certain situations. This is why it is best to never take the chance. Make sure that your dog is always leashed when going for a walk. There is not only the chance that your dog could chase after someone, but with summer quickly arriving, there are going to be new sites, smells, and critter as well, meaning that there is also the potential for your dog to take off chasing after something. Whatever the situation is a good sturdy leash will prevent this. In fact, a leash might be required, depending on what state you are in and where you are walking your dog there may be leash laws that apply.
10. Be Sure To Have Fun!
Walks are without a doubt one of the best ways to keep your dog in shape and have fun at the very same time. Instead of just walking, stop and spend some quality time with your buddy. Take a break and play a lazy game of tug or give him a rub down. Nothing to exerting, but just something enough to let him know that you care. A picnic or even a little nap in the shade could go a long way. Allow your dog to take in the new scents and sights along the way, as doing so will provide mental enrichment along with much-needed physical exercise.
