Tips & Training

Dogs in Summer: 7 Pet Summer Safety Tips

Tips & tricks to keep your dog safe, cool and healthy in the summer.

Shell & Katy Pretty Fluffy Editors

Katy and Shell are two style-savvy dog mums who celebrate the best in pet-friendly living. A professional pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they bring dog-friendly inspiration, pet product recommendations, dog treat recipes, pet expert advice and the best in emerging and designer dog brands into the homes of discerning pet parents around the world.

When summer rolls around each year, keep these pet summer safety tips in mind to make sure your dog stays happy, cool and healthy.

Summer is all about fun in the sun, and like many pet parents, we love taking Ziggy to the beach for a swim (Sunny isn’t quite a beach bum yet, but we’ll get there!)

However, what’s important to know is that increased summer temperatures can pose serious health risks for your pup.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, the most common summer hazards for pets are:

Heat stress
Dehydration
Burnt paws
Paralysis ticks and fleas

From frozen dog treats to fresh water supplies and flea protection, here are 7 pet summer safety tips to follow with your dog.

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Image courtesy of: Charlotte Reeves Photography

Tip #1: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

No matter what, always ensure that your dog has ample, cool, clean water available to drink at all times.

Make sure if you’re going out the water is in a shaded area, and can’t be tipped over accidentally. In fact, try to have two water bowls out just to be safe.

If you’re out and about with your pet, use a collapsible bowl (we love this 3-in-1 water bottle and bowl from DOOG) and always keep a spare bottle of water handy for emergencies.

Tip #2: Keep your dog cool

Always provide a cool, shady area for your dog to rest during the summer.

If you can, invite them inside on hot days – dogs love cool tiles, fans and air conditioning just as much as we do!

Another way to keep your dog cool is with yummy icy treats, so why not make your own frozen dog treats?

Easy to make and freezes in batches, you can them just pop them out on hot, summer days.

Tip #3: Take your dog for a swim

Lots of dogs love to swim, so summer is a great time to take them to dog-friendly beaches and lakes (if you’re in Victoria, check out our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Gippsland).

If your dog isn’t so keen on the ocean, try filling a clam shell pool with cold water in your backyard and let your pooch lie in it to cool down.

Don’t forget a dog friendly swim towel for them to dry off afterwards!

Tip #4: Keep your dog secure

Speaking of taking your dog to the beach, it’s important to keep your pup secure on the sand in case you want to take a quick dip on your own.

That’s where the clever and stylish Doggy Anchor comes in! Made using 20 discarded PET bottles, Australian-owned Doggy Anchor is an all-in-one, 100% waterproof beach bag and anchor point.

Just empty and fill with sand, then attach your dog lead clip to the d-ring. When you’re ready to head home, simply empty the bag and pop your wet towels or wetsuits in.

Tip #5: Keep their paws safe

To protect your pup’s paws, try to stick to walking them in the early morning or evening. Below is an excellent infographic from VetsNow outlining when it is and isn’t safe to walk your dog.

Walking on hot concrete and road surfaces can burn the pads of your dog’s paws and leave them in a great deal of pain. If you’re unsure of how hot it is, place your own hand or bare foot on the ground for at least 30 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog!

For dogs that like the beach where sand, grit and rough surfaces wear away at their paws, consider using a natural paw protecting balm to give them added protection when out and about.

Download this infographic from Vets Now

Tip #6: Slip, slop, slap!

Dogs need sun protection just like us – especially those with lighter fur.

To keep your dog protected, apply a dog safe sunscreen concentrating on areas such as their nose, ears and belly.

Tip #7: Protect from fleas & ticks

Summer is the time when fleas and ticks come out to play. In the case of paralysis ticks, they can be deadly for your pet.

Talk to your vet about which form of flea and tick protection is right for your dog. For more information see our tips on how to protect your dog against fleas and paralysis ticks.

“Summertime also means snakes and paralysis ticks may be more prevalent – which can mean an increased risk to your pet, and if affected, urgent veterinary attention is required.”– Dr Warwick Vale, AVA President.

For further pet summer safety tips and expert dog health advice, we highly recommend visiting Vet Voice for the latest veterinary information.