Summer Care Tips for Your Dog

When you are a first-time dog owner, it can be difficult to keep up with everything you need to do to take care of your dog from season to season. Each season of the year presents its own unique challenges and tasks that need to be done. Get to know some of the summer care tips that can help you with your dog this summer. Then, you can be sure you are doing everything possible to provide the proper pet care to your dog this summer season. 

1. If Your Dog Is Outside a Lot, Provide Lots of Water

One of the key issues in the summer is, of course, the heat. And dogs can get overheated quite easily. They do not sweat; they pant to relieve themselves from the heat. This can cause them to need to drink large amounts of water to stay cool as well. 

Do not leave your dog outside for more than a few minutes without a good amount of water to drink. Providing several bowls, a large bucket, or even a kiddie swimming pool filled with water can ensure that your dog does not get dehydrated or overheated while they spend time outdoors.

2. Get Flea and Tick Protection

If you have not already started your dog's flea and tick regimen in the spring, it is vitally important to do so this summer. Fleas and ticks are more active in warm weather and are just waiting for your dog to stumble across them as they are outside in the grass and in nature. 

There are numerous flea and tick protection options you can choose from. Some are readily available in pet stores or large retailers, while others are prescription treatments and require authorization from a veterinarian. Oftentimes, the veterinarian authorized options are more effective than store-bought options. They are also considered by many to be safer for your dog. 

Topical and oral treatment options are available. The oral treatment options are chewable so your dog will more easily consume them. Topical options need to be applied monthly, while some chewables last up to three months. 

3. Don't Walk Your Dog During the Hottest Time of the Day

Walking your dog is great for you and for them. They get exercise and get to explore and you can get some exercise along with them. However, in the summer you have to be very careful about the times of day you are walking your precious pooch. 

Try to avoid walking in the afternoons as much as possible. This is when the day gets hottest and your dog is most likely to overheat. Early mornings are best in the summer if you can get up and get out at those times. Otherwise, late evening is another option. 

Now that you know some of the most important summer care tips for your dog, you can be sure you are doing everything you can to take the best care of your dog this summer. Contact local veterinarians if you have additional pet care questions. 


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