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23 May 2016

Top Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

With plenty of sunshine on the way it's time to prepare, not only for our children's sake but for our furry friends too - the pets! The warmer weather can affect them considerably but my 5 tips should help to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy all summer long.




Now is the ideal time to take your four legged chum for a trim at the groomer's. Their coats can be thick and heavy so reducing the fur will not only keep them cooler but make them look smarter too. Make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and provide flea prevention drops or pills, as they, along with ticks and mosquitoes, are far more prevalent in the warmer months.


If you're heading out, even for a short time, it's better to leave your dog at home where there is access to fresh fluids and shade. Don't leave them in the car where temperatures can rocket as this can cause heatstroke which can be fatal. Parking in shaded areas or leaving the window open isn't sufficient - temperatures within vehicles can be 20 degrees hotter, if not more, than it is outside in direct sunlight which is very unsafe for your hounds. Also avoid keeping them in conservatories and if they are left in the garden get them a kennel for shelter from the sun.


If your pets are spending more time in the garden it's a wise idea to keep a look out for poisonous plants and pop any tools or equipment away in the garage or shed when possible. If you're enjoying a BBQ or simply dining alfresco with family, those sausages can look a little too tempting so always make sure pets are supervised to prevent injuries or burns. It might be worth getting a pet paddling pool so they can keep cool while playing.


Try to avoid the midday sun if you can and walk your dog first thing in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler for them. Hot flooring can badly damage their pads so try to keep away from paths and stick to grass areas if you're able to. When you return, make sure you check their ears, eyes and paws for grass seeds and insects.


Ensure water is topped up continuously and if you're out for the day invest in a dispenser so that they have a constant supply that won't run out. You may find that your dog is off their food at this time of the year but just like humans the warmer weather can reduce appetite and there is usually nothing to worry about.




If you're looking at taking your poochie on holiday this summer you might want to give this dog quiz a go to see which destination is best suited to your pet. There is some great dog-friendly accommodation available. According to our results Spartan would love another trip to Cornwall and that sounds perfect to me! 



Prepare for summer:




What tips would you add to the list?


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41 comments

  1. great post, we have been looking for a kennel for our dog so he can spend more time outside

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  2. Thank you for including pet related articles. The point about not leaving them in the car is always a good reminder. Just a point though, as a dog groomer one of the first things we are taught is that trimming a dogs coat does not always make him or her feel cooler as many double coated breeds have very clever body mechanisms which mean their coats keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. Trimming some breeds can actually cause them to overheat in the summer heat. Not a criticism - just a point I thought you might find interesting xx

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  3. Alvin is a white dog so summer means that we need to put sun cream on his ears!

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  4. Keeping them cool and well hydrated is so important. It is the same for us on the farm with our animals. In fact the sheep shearer is coming this Sunday.

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  5. Great tips - looking forward to summer with my dogs!

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  6. We have a dog so its very useful for us as we could do with finding suitable places to visit as I feel bad always imposing on my parents to look after Summer whilst we are away x

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  7. Great tips. Thankfully we don't have a dog, I can just about keep the kids safe ;) x

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  8. Lots of good tips here and as for dog-friendly holiday accommodation I can really recommend a Facebook group I'm admin for called "Book your holiday direct with the owner" (for self-catering in UK and France) where you'll find a whole section on pooch-friendly places as well as other criteria.

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  9. I don't have a dog but my parents do and these are good tips. They always take Hobbs away with them

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  10. my dog loves the beach great place to take bobby he goes mad there

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  11. great tips to keep my dog safe. :)

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  12. Our huskies are white and so they have snow noses [the pinky bits where it looks like they snuffled through snow]. We have to be so careful - and only exercise them before 7am and after 9pm.

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  13. My dog loves to lay in the sun on a morning - he just stretches out and relaxes bless him x x

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  14. We don't have any pets but these are great tips for those that do :)

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  15. Great tips, we've never had a dog and never thought about this before! x

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  16. Maria Rogers28/05/2016, 14:39

    thanks for those tips

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  17. Good to see this list. I can remember phoning the police when I saw a dog pacing up and down in a car in a shopping centre on a hot summer's day. They asked if the window was open. It was, just a bit, so they said they wouldn't send an officer to investigate. I couldn't find the car owner and had no idea what to do.

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  18. I can't believe people still leave dogs in cars on hot days, soo ignorant

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  19. I have just discovered there is a company that sells swimming pools for dogs. Sounds like a great idea so long as they are used and emptied immediately afterwards for safety.

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  20. I think that you really need to think of your dog as another child as a general rule, they need as much care and attention.

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  21. Great tips people with dogs should always remember to do

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  22. I think the main thing, as most people have said is to ensure they have plenty of water and shade and definitley no leaving them in cars, it makes me so mad to see a dog left in the car. I wouldn't leave my girl in the car on her own EVER

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  23. Great tips. Thanks for sharing x

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  24. Great tips. Thanks for sharing x

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  25. give them plenty of water to drink x

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  26. We dont have a dog but some great tips, and i never knew some had to use sun cream on theirs something new ive learnt today 😀

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  27. brilliant advice. my dog likes to be sprayed with a water spray when she's too hot

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  28. We don't have any pets but it always impresses me how much care goes into looking after one!xx

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  29. Great tips, we always find a family member or friend to look after our dog if out all day

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  30. Great tips, we always find a family member or friend to look after our dog if out all day

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  31. Unfortunately, too many pet owners seem to lack basic common sense when it comes to looking after their animals in the heat. These are good,sound tips.

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  32. These are great tips - it is so important to take proper care of your dogs during the heat of the summer.

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  33. Great tips, great thing to share :)

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  34. great tips. I always have a water sprayer available so I can give a quick spray to cool my dog down. :)

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  35. lovely blog post, great tips

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  36. zero time in car when parked

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  37. I dont have a dog but great tips

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