Now that the weather is becoming consistently warmer, we thought we’d spend some time talking about ways to keep your pooch safe as temperatures rise. As you spend more time outside in the sun with your dog, you’ll need to consider heat and other environmental factors that may cause risks to your pet’s health. Here are some important tips to insure that both you and your pup safely enjoy the season:

Keep an Eye on your Environment
More sunshine isn’t the only thing to be aware of in warmer months. Because your dog will be spending more time outside, he’ll be exposed to chemicals and other creatures that might pose a threat to his health. During warm months, your neighbors may use pesticides and fertilizers that can be poisonous if ingested or even stepped in. Keep your dog away from lawns and gardens by making sure that he’s securely leashed when you go on walks. Another chemical to watch out for is coolant. Vehicles running air conditioning may leak coolant and this toxic chemical is doubly-dangerous because it tastes sweet to your pup. Keep a wary eye on him that he’s not licking the ground around a vehicle, because coolant could be what he’s after.

Critters and creepy crawlies that enjoy the summer heat may pose a threat to your dog not only because they could be dangerous but also because they are probably unfamiliar, especially to younger pups. Animals such as skunks, snakes and coyotes and bugs such as spiders, mosquitoes, and scorpions are abundant in the area around Boulder’s Natural Animal and become more active during the warmer months. To avoid some of these dangers, keep your dog leashed or in a fenced area when he’s outside. If you’re on a walk or hike and your dog is allowed to wander with sight-and-sound tags, keep him away from areas of tall grass and within eyesight at all times.

Understand the Risks of Sunshine and Warm Weather
There are many different factors to consider when planning safe summer play. One of them is your pup’s sensitivity to the sun. Just because your dog may have lots of fur doesn’t mean that he can’t get a sunburn. Consider that he doesn’t wear Raybans to protect his eyes. In addition, dog’s noses are not only bare, but also very sensitive. If your dog has shorter hair or you plan on being in the sun together frequently, pick up some pet-safe sunscreen and apply it according to the directions; Remember that sunscreen products meant for humans might not be safe for your dog.

Another side-effect of sunshine is hot pavement. The pads on your dog’s feet are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. If he walks on pavement that’s too hot from the sun, his pads could be burned. A good rule of thumb is to place your hand on the surface of the road or sidewalk and see if you can keep it there. If it’s too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Consider sticking to grass-covered lawns or waiting until things have cooled off a bit before venturing out.

Know How to Spot and Treat Heat Stroke
Did you know dogs don’t sweat to cool themselves like we do? Because of this, they are at a much higher risk to overheat. Dogs pant to cool themselves, but when the temperature of the air is similar to their body temperature panting is inefficient and heat stroke can set in quickly. Here are some signs that can indicate dehydration or the beginnings of heat stroke:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing.
• Bright red tongue and mucous membranes.
• Thick saliva.
• Disinterest in eating or drinking.
• Vomiting.
• Collapse, seizures, or unconsciousness.

If you suspect that your pup might have become overheated or dehydrated, get him to a cool, shaded place immediately. Measures to treat heat stroke in a dog must be taken at once. If he’ll drink, offer him cool water or ice. You may also want to try spraying him off with cool water or giving him a cool bath. Even if you feel that your dog is responding well to these emergency treatments, it is imperative that you take your pup to the veterinarian as soon as possible, as overheating can cause additional internal problems in your pet.

Now that you’ve learned some of the important things that you need to know about keeping your dog safe in the summer, you’re prepared to go out and soak up the sun (in small doses) with your furry friend. Enjoy all that the warm weather has to offer and see if you can fit in a couple games of fetch while you’re at it!