Whether it's hikes, beach trips, or backyard barbecues, there's nothing like watching your dog enjoy the longer days and warmer weather of summer. But just like us, dogs need a little extra care when temperatures rise! Below, we’ll go over some important things to keep in mind to help your dog stay safe, comfortable, and happy all summer long.
Know the Risks and Understand the Warning Signs
Every dog is unique, but that doesn't mean there aren't common risks, including:
- Overheating: Even short outdoor play sessions can be risky during peak heat hours.
- Dehydration: Hot weather increases a dog's risk of dehydration, especially if they're active.
- Ocean, Lake, and Pool Water: Saltwater, stagnant water, and chemically treated water can be harmful to pups when ingested and when left on their fur for too long.
- Burnt Paws: Asphalt, concrete, and sand can reach dangerously high temperatures in the summer sun.
- Ticks: Warm weather brings out ticks in full force, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
- Trash and Litter: Summer means outdoor parties, which can mean extra litter like wrappers, old food, and more. If your dog is off-leash, the more likely they are to ingest something potentially harmful.
- Hazardous Plants and Chemicals: Many outdoor areas are landscaped with plants, materials, and chemicals that are harmful to pups. For a comprehensive list of plants, the ASPCA has a searchable list of harmful plants.
These issues can impact dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes, and many of these risks can happen quickly, even on a mild day, so it's important to not only be aware of them but understand the symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as excessive panting and drooling, lethargy, gastrointestinal distress, and dry nose—just to name a few.
If your dog shows any concerning signs, move them indoors (ideally in an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan) and offer them cool—not cold—water. After moving them, we recommend calling your vet to discuss their condition and asses if additional assistance is required.
Tips to Keep Your Pup Safe This Summer
There are a few key steps you can take to make sure your pup stays safe all summer long.
- Regular Grooming: Regular professional grooming can help your dog stay cool and regulate their temperature effectively.
- Be Proactive: Always bring a source of fresh water for your pup, do the five-second test (if it's too hot to hold your hand on the surface for five seconds, it's too hot for your pup) on any surface you'll be walking on, and invest in protective equipment (such as boots) for your pup.
- Active Supervision: Never leave your dog alone in a car, always monitor them while they're in water, and keep them on-leash while on walks and hikes.
- Post-Adventure Care: After a day outside, check your pup's paws for any irritation, rinse your pup with fresh water after time in the ocean, lake, or pool, and provide a thorough tick inspection (don't forget to check yourself, too!).
One of the best ways to keep your pup safe and entertained in the summer (and all year!) is to enroll them in dog-specific activities, such as doggie daycare.
Fun and Safe Summer Activities for Dogs in Stamford, CT
The good news is there are tons of ways to help your pup stay cool and safe while still enjoying summer fun! If you want to ensure your dog has all the fun of summer safely, consider making them part of the Room for Paws family! While we're conveniently located in Stamford, Connecticut, our facility is open to pups from all over the tri-state area and beyond!
At Room for Paws, our entire facility and each of our programs were tailor-made with dog’s health, safety, and fun in mind, including, but certainly not limited to:
- Multiple Fenced Outdoor Play Yards: Each yard is outfitted with K9Grass™ and contains custom agility equipment, shaded areas, multiple filtered water drinking stations with added ice to keep things cool and refreshing, mobility ramps, and custom dog pools.
- Multiple Climate-Controlled Indoor Play Areas: Featuring low-impact flooring, custom agility equipment, plus all of the amenities and accommodations that are found throughout our state-of-the-art facility.
- Amenities and Add-Ons: Our services, such as grooming, training sessions, and our exclusive leashed nature hike program, Hike for Paws, can be added to your pup's daycare or boarding stay. Plus, we always add fun new events monthly!
We know seeing is believing—which is why we encourage pup parents to visit our facility and check out our reception gallery, tour the facility, and see all the happy dogs in our care. Plus, first-time guests enjoy a complimentary Daycare Discovery Day to help us understand your dog's temperament so we can place them with their perfect playgroup!
Make This Summer Stress-Free and Fun for You and Your Dog
Between vacations, staycations, parties, holidays, and more, summer can get busy—meaning now is the perfect time to get your pup enrolled in our vet-recommended daycare and boarding facility.
Whether you're traveling or want to ensure your pup has a safe, fun time while you’re at work, we're here to give your pup their own adventure and resort stay. To learn more or enroll your dog, fill out a reservation form, and don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions!
