Get your dog all ready for the summer with these tips

With the hottest season of the year just a few months away and the world beginning to reopen its doors, it’s time to start prepping your pooch for the heat! Whether your pup enjoys lounging around inside, basking in the sun in your backyard, jumping into the nearest lake, or hiking all through the mountains, there are a few things you must do to ensure your canine companion enjoys themselves!

So these are the Things You Should Know:-

Get Their Hair Groomed
Have Their Nail Done!
Don’t Forget the Flea and Tick Medicine
Update Vaccinations
Run Through Training

1. Get Their Hair Groomed

Seeing as we have been under a modified lockdown for quite some time, you may have been neglecting your dog’s fur coat (no judgment, many of us have!). It’s time to kick things back into gear by taking your pup to the groomer to trim off some of those unnecessary layers. You can groom them at home or take them to your nearby pet grooming salon depending on your comfort level and breed!

Pet-grooming-pawrulz

2. Have Their Nail Done!

No, I do not mean a full-blown pedicure, just a nice trim to ensure their nails don’t get caught on objects that could cause them pain! Long nails can cause unnecessary paw pain, and joint pain, and increase the likelihood of ingrown nails as well. You can take your pet to the vet or groomer to have their nails cut professionally or purchase a set of doggie-nail clippers recommended by your vet and do it all at your home!

3. Don’t Forget the Flea and Tick Medicine

Even if your dog is more of an indoor, air-conditioning-only, type of pup, you should still speak with your vet about getting flea and tick solutions. Fleas and ticks do not just live in the forest, they hang out in the trees and bushes in your backyard. If you take your dog to the dog park, and one of their playmates has fleas, your dog is likely to catch the fleas from their doggie pal!

Just as important as the medicine itself, be sure you are checking your pet for fleas and ticks regularly, especially after coming home from being outdoors!

pet tick solution

4. Update Vaccinations

Before taking your playful pup out and about for hikes, walks, play dates, etc. contact your vet and ask if they are up to date on all of their vaccines. The vaccines will protect your dog as well as any dogs they may come into contact with!

pet vaccination

5. Run through Training

Especially if you have a puppy, do a quick run-through of common training procedures before heading out for an afternoon dip at the lake. If you have a new dog who is untrained, have them trained with a few basic commands like sit, stay, lay down, and heal, before you venture out! These simple commands will keep your dog safe and other dogs safe. Even if you have a very calm and friendly pooch, they are still animals, and anything could happen!

Be sure your pet is summer-ready with this little list! Don’t forget to ensure that you have all of the outdoor necessities such as a dog leash, a muzzle if needed, a cage, an indoor and outdoor water bowl, etc. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the summer months!

Dog leashes

Dog Leashes

Also Read: TRANSFORM YOUR PET’S LIFE WITH THESE MUST-HAVE DOG ACCESSORIES

Frequently asked question on Is Your Dog Ready for Summer?

How to prepare my dog for summer?

As a pet parent, there are certain preparations you need to make during summer. It is important to prioritize your pet's hydration by providing ample water, a shade outdoors and well-ventilated and cool space indoors. Regular grooming can be done to prevent overheating in pets. It would help if you also used vet-recommended preventives to protect them from parasites and make sure all the vaccinations are up to date. It is also important to adjust the exercise routines to either early morning or evening. If you are talking your pet for a walk, make sure the pavements are not scorching hot, and you can test it with your hand. You can also invest in a pet-friendly sunscreen, a cooling mat & vest and some frozen treats. You can always talk with your vet for better guidance.

What safety precautions do I take when visiting the beach with my dog?

If your pet dog loves water, you will for sure enjoy a fun day at the beach. You can visit a pet-friendly beach and make sure to check out any rules they have for pets. If your pet is not so comfortable around water or crowds, you can spend some time near the shore and enjoy some games or activities. Some essentials you must carry when visiting a beach with your pet include fresh water, pet-safe sunscreen and an umbrella if possible. These help prevent dehydration and sunburns in pets.

How can I create a comfortable outdoor space for my dog in the summer?

You can create a nice outdoor space for your pet, even during summer. You can choose an area that gets good shade, or you can even invest in a pet-friendly tent. You can place a cooling mat or a dog bed, but place it away from the sunlight. Provide ample water to avoid dehydration and monitor its water intake. You can also add some of their favourite toys for extra fun. You can prevent sunburns by using dog-friendly sunscreen. It is also important to check the outdoor space for toxic plants or other potential hazards.

Are there any summer-specific activities that are safe and enjoyable for dogs?

You can now engage your canine friend in some summer activities and have a blast together. If your pet loves water, you can engage in some water adventures and opt for a day out at the beach or enjoy a backyard wading pool. You can play interactive games in shaded areas. On days when the weather is a little pleasant, you can visit pet-friendly parks or try that hiking trail. You can even organize a play date for your furry friend, as it improves socialization. Also, don't forget to look out for outdoor pet fairs. Whatever you plan, make sure to keep a check on their heat exposure and keep them and yourself hydrated.

What kind of grooming is necessary for my dog in the summer months?

Grooming during summer can keep your dog cool and comfortable. Grooming helps remove excess fur, and this prevents overheating in pets. You can also trim the dog's coat, but do not over it, as the dog's fur protects it from sunburns. Attention to paw care is of utmost importance, and you need to start by trimming the nails and checking for any irritations or cuts. You can use dog-friendly sunscreen on the exposed areas, and this is important if your canine has light-coloured or white fur. You can also follow a healthy regimen to prevent infection and fleas and ticks. You can always change and follow a grooming routine that suits the needs and the breed of your dog.