Sun’s Out, Dog’s Out!

Sun’s Out, Dog’s Out!

Ah, the dog days of summer. A time when humans and dogs alike can rest, relax, and enjoy the sunshine or just wander the great outdoors. Such a succinct way to explain the sheer pleasure of lazing around or adventuring with your pup each summer season. Okay... that's not exactly where the term “the dog days of summer comes from.” But it sure sounds lovely, doesn’t it? “The dog days of summer” has its roots not in pet ownership, but in astronomy. Both the Greeks and the Romans could spot the constellation Canis Majora only in the height of the summer. They believed that the constellation was really Orion’s dog, and that it spelled the coming of evilness, sickness, plagues, and fever. The truth is that both the Greeks and the Romans experienced higher rates of sickness in the summer because higher temperatures made communicable diseases spread faster. Summer was also ample time for war because militaries didn’t have to suffer through brutal cold. Today, we’ve switched up the meaning of “the dog days of summer” to refer to mid-summer season (at least in the United States). It’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures with your dog, be they to the water, up the mountain, or across the field, but warmer weather can come with its own set of risks and benefits, too. Use this short and snappy guide to learn where to adventure, how to adventure safely, and how to address the most common summer canine care issue (overheating) before the warmest weather hits.

Preparation Is Everything

Before you decide where to go, what to do, and what to see, you must first be prepared to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe in the summer sun (and you, too!). Prepare in advance by using a good spot-on flea and tick medication like Revolution or Frontline at least 48 hours in advance. Ensure your pup has his most recent boosters, too. It’s also best to carry a side bag or backpack with a few supplies, even if you’re just heading out to a local park. Here’s what you should put inside:
  • 1-2 bottles of cold water, partially frozen.
  • Doggy poop bags and/or scoop for cleanup.
  • A pair of tick tweezers for tick removal.
  • Canine-friendly antiseptic for wound cleanup.
  • A simple, canine-friendly first aid kit.
  • Enough dog food for one or two meals.
  • Dog treats (for training and motivation).
  • A good grooming brush for working out debris.
  • Paw covers that protect against hot roads.
  • A bowl to give your dog water if he becomes thirsty.
  • Cloths for cleanup if your dog encounters something messy.
These items may seem simple, but on a seriously hot day, they can be the difference between an illness like canine heat stroke or injury and a long, lazy and enjoyable summer day in the sunshine together.

....But Only If You Hit the Best Spots

Not every place is ideal for a dog, either because it’s too dangerous or because the other patrons won’t care for a dog’s presence. Be respectful of your dog’s safety and the comfort of other individuals when you head out to frolick. If someone says they’re afraid of dogs, be willing to keep your dog on a leash or head to a new location. Likewise, if your dog becomes fearful, respect his feelings and take him out of the situation. Location-wise, your dog is likely to have the most fun at:
  • The dog park.
  • Beaches, lakes, and ponds.
  • Sand or dirt pits open to the public.
  • National parks (if permitted; check first).
  • Local hiking, walking, or jogging trails.
  • Local forests or wilderness areas.
  • Dog-friendly outdoor shows and concerts.
  • Doggy play dates/doggy daycares for rainy days.
It’s up to you to know exactly which of these locations will work best for your dog. A nervous dog may prefer quiet time at a secluded lake with you over a crazy day at a doggy daycare, while a people-loving dog may be happiest at a concert. Just be sure to park yourselves far enough away from the music so it doesn’t hurt her sensitive ears.

Morning & Evening Fun

The best times to take your pup out are before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun isn’t at its highest throughout the day. Between those hours, both you and your dog have a heightened risk for sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration because temperatures are at their highest. If you do head out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to sit somewhere in the shade or near the water. The cool breeze and shade will ameliorate some (but not all) of the high sun risks. Bring extra water with you and apply canine sunscreen to any area of your dog with exposed skin. Don’t forget to ‘screen yourself, too!

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Pup-sicles

No --- we don’t mean freeze your dog (and he probably won’t really care for lemons, either). While lemon juice or some time in the freezer might seem nice to us on a hot day, most people recognize that they just not very dog-appropriate. What we do mean is make your own puppy version of an ice pop at home for your dog. Pour any of the following ingredients into human ice pop molds (sans sticks):
  • ¼-cup low-salt chicken broth in 1 cup water.
  • Mashed banana, alone or mixed with orange juice.
  • Mashed watermelon/pure watermelon juice.
  • Peanut butter thinned with just a little yogurt.
  • Pretty much any other natural fruit juice.
Freeze and allow your dog the occasional sweet or savory treat now and again. The chicken broth pup-sicles are especially useful for restoring electrolytes after active play, and can help your pup to rehydrate slowly. Don’t have an ice mold? Fill up a small bowl with water. Toss in a handful or two of fruit. Freeze it and plop it down in the yard for him to lick throughout the day. Though it probably won’t hurt your dog once in awhile, you should skip the grocery store ice pops whenever possible. They’re loaded with sugar and will dehydrate him more than rehydrating him. There’s really no need, anyway, as pup-sicles are incredibly easy to make. These are some of summer’s sagest canine care tips, but they admittedly only scratch the surface. You should always dig deeper to ensure that you’re barking up the right tree on fun canine adventures. Maximizing your summer fun really starts with seeing your vet for a checkup and ensuring that your pup gets enough food, liquids, and yes, rest, too. Lock those four care points down and the rest will come naturally. Enjoy your summer!  

Sun’s Out, Dog’s Out!