Summer is officially here, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick recap on how to keep your dog safe in the summer.

And let’s clear one thing up real quick; you can give your dog ice cubes. Despite that viral post warning against it, vets agree that it’s completely acceptable to give your dog some ice. My dog loves playing with ice cubes, and in the summer it’s an easy way to help keep her cool.

12 Summer Safety Tips For Dogs

Summer is a great time to go out and have fun with your dog, but there are a few hazards to watch out for. Keep these safety tips in mind this summer to help keep your dog safe:

1. Give Your Dog Plenty of Water & Shade

If you’re going to be outside for long periods of time with your dog this summer make sure he has a nice shady spot to rest in and plenty of water. Dog’s can’t regulate heat as well as us, so it’s not as easy for them to stay cool. Prolonged heat exposure puts them at risk for developing heat stroke. (see below for the symptoms to watch out for)

Heat and humidity cause potential hazards to your dogs health. So remember if you’re not comfortable because it’s too hot your dog feels the same. Keep them inside on days when it’s really hot.

2. Use a Kiddie Pool or Sprinkler to Keep Cool

Does your dog love the water? Fill up a kiddie pool with water for your pup to cool off in. I suggest picking up a plastic one, since their nails can tear the softer ones. Don’t have a kiddie pool? Plenty of dogs enjoy playing with the hose or sprinklers.

3. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Hot Sand & Pavement

Avoid prolonged exposure to sand and hot asphalt – it can burn your dogs paws. In the summer try to walk your dog in the morning or evening when the pavement isn’t so hot. If you walk during the day stick to grassy or wooded areas.

If you are going to go out for a long walk try some Musher’s Secret to keep their paws protected. And for extremely hot days you can get a pair of boots for your dog.

4. Short Faced Dogs Are More Susceptible to Heat Stroke

If you have a short faced dog like a Bulldog or Pug remember that they don’t pant efficiently; they’re much more susceptible to heat stroke. Bulldogs are especially intolerant to heat. They should have limited access to the outdoors when the weather gets above 80 degrees.

5. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in a Hot Car

Never leave your dog inside your car in hot weather; a cracked window isn’t enough to keep a car cool. It’s also illegal in many states.

Researchers learned that when it’s a sunny 78 degrees, the temperature in a parked car with windows cracked rises at least 32 degrees in 30 minutes. So: 78 degrees to 110 in half an hour. – Don’t Think For a Minute Dogs Can Survive in a Hot Car

6. Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise during extremely hot days & keep the sessions short. The same goes for days with high humidity. For those really hot days check out some simple activities to keep your dog busy indoors.

7. Watch Out For Doggie Sunburn

Dogs can get sunburn – especially light colored dogs with short fur. There are sun protection lotions specifically formulated for dogs. Don’t use human sunscreen on your pet; many of the chemicals are toxic to them.

All canines, regardless of the thickness of their coats, have vulnerable areas of the body with less fur or none at all. The belly is often covered with blonde hair, making it a target; the ears have delicate skin; and even a dog’s nose can become dried out and baked.- Pet360

8. Make Sure Your Pet is Protected from Pests

Ticks and mosquitoes are at their peak in the summer. Talk to your vet about the different preventatives available. Do a thorough skin check (the same one you’d do for fleas) on your dog after coming inside to look for ticks.

9. Watch Your Dog Around Treated Lawns

Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated with fertilizer for at least 24 hours. Many of the chemicals used in lawn treatments are toxic to pets.

While small ingestions of fertilizer may only result in mild stomach upset, larger ingestions can result in severe poisoning from the iron, nitrogen and other chemicals. – Pet Poison Hotline

10. Don’t Let Dogs Drink From Oceans, Lakes or Pools

Don’t let your dog drink seawater; it causes dehydration and vomiting. If a dog ingests enough it can be fatal. Bring fresh water for your dog when you’re going out to the beach.

11. Shaving Your Dog Might Not Keep Him Cool

Do not shave your dog because he’s panting. If you have a double coated breed their fur is actually providing relief from the heat, and shaving it will make it worse.

12. Make Sure Your Dog is Wearing Identification

We spend a lot of time outdoors with our dogs in the summer, and that increases the risk of them running off or getting lost. Make sure your dog has a collar with your phone number on it, and it’s a good idea to have your dog microchipped in case their collar comes off.

One of the best ways to prevent your dog from getting lost is to keep them on a leash in areas that aren’t fenced. (keep in mind some dogs can easily jump a 6 foot fence)

The Signs of Heat Stroke

No matter what activities you and your best friend will be enjoying this summer make sure you know the signs of heatstroke. It’s considered a medical emergency and needs to be handled immediately:

Early Stages of Heat Stroke:

Heavy panting
Excessive drooling
Balance problems
Bright red gums

Advanced Stages of Heat Stroke

Labored & noisy breathing
White gums
Lethargy
Vomiting

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heat stroke measures must be takenimmediately to cool him down. Take your dog inside immediately. If you have a thermometer take his temperature – if it’s above 104F you need to begin cooling him down.

Start by spraying or immersing him in cool water. Drape your dog with cool towels. Don’t use ice water if your dog has heat stroke – it will close the dogs pores and make the problem worse. You need to gradually decrease his temperature without inducing shock. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible following an episode of heat stroke as it can be associated with other complications.