7 Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Summer

Keep Your Dog Cool

Water is the number 1 thing that your dog needs to stay cool. When dogs are hot they sweat through their skin and lose water. This causes them to become dehydrated. If this happens, then the dog's body temperature rises. Dogs can die from heat stroke if left untreated.

Shade is the best way to keep your dog cool. A shady area is cooler than direct sunlight. You can use a tree, a large rock, or even a piece of cardboard. Make sure that the shade is at least 10 feet away from your dog.

Your dog should always have access to food. They need energy to run around and play. If they don't eat enough, they won't get enough energy.

Monitor Your Dog’s Activity

The heart rate monitor is a device that measures your dog's heart rate while they are active. This can help you determine if your dog has any health problems that may require medical attention. A healthy dog should have a resting heart rate between 60-100 beats per minute. If your dog's heart rate is higher than 100 bpm, this could indicate that he/she is experiencing stress.

A body temperature monitor is a small device that attaches to your dog's neck and monitors their core body temperature. This helps you know if your dog is feeling ill or stressed out. Dogs' temperatures normally range from 98.6 - 101 degrees F (37 - 38 degrees C). A normal temperature for dogs is 99.5 - 102 degrees F (37.8 - 39.4 degrees C).

If your dog gets lost, this collar pager allows you to track them down using GPS technology. You can set the frequency at which the pager sends updates, allowing you to keep tabs on your dog even if they are not near a phone signal.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Dogs are known to drink water like fish do. They need to drink about 1/4 cup per pound of their body weight each day. This means that if your dog weighs 50 pounds, he should drink 25 ounces of water daily. If you have a large breed dog, this amount can double.

Water is the best way to keep your dog hydrated. You can use a bowl or a hose attachment to fill up his water dish. Make sure that the water is not too hot or cold. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the temperature is neither freezing nor boiling.

When your dog has had enough water, he will start licking himself clean. He may even go outside and roll around in the grass. This is a sign that he needs to urinate and defecate. These two bodily functions help him eliminate excess water from his system.

Do not let your dog get dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, take action immediately!

Keep your dog's drinking area clean. Dirty bowls can cause bacteria to multiply and contaminate the water. Also, make sure that the water is always fresh.

Be careful when giving your dog treats. Some dogs love them while others hate them. If your dog does not like the taste of certain foods, try mixing them into his food instead.

Provide Special Care for Flat-faced and Senior Dogs

Flat-faced dogs are often overlooked due to their appearance. However, they can have serious health issues that require special care. Here are some tips to help your flat-faced dog live longer and healthier.

Provide extra exercise

Exercise is essential for your dog’s overall well being. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, such as lethargy or lack of energy, then it may be time to get them out and about. Exercise helps improve circulation, strengthens muscles, increases bone density, and promotes healthy skin and coat.

Keep your dog indoors

Dogs are social animals and need interaction with other dogs and people. They thrive off of this stimulation, but if you keep your dog inside too much, he/she could become depressed and develop anxiety.

Keep Fleas and Ticks at Bay

DEET is the active ingredient in many insect repellents and is considered safe enough to use around pets and children. However, it has been linked to health problems including liver damage and cancer.

Permethrin

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that can be used as a pesticide. It is commonly applied to clothing and bedding to repel insects. Unfortunately, permethrin is toxic to humans, causing skin irritation and potentially severe allergic reactions.

Pyrethroids

Pyrethroids are a class of pesticides that are derived from natural pyrethrins. They have been shown to be effective against ticks and fleas. There are two types of pyrethroids: Type I and Type II. Type I pyrethroids are less toxic than type II pyrethroids.

Apply sunscreen before going outside!

Sunscreens are great products that help protect your skin from sun damage. They can also prevent the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, many people don't know how often they should apply sunscreen.

Use  Sun Protection Factor 30+

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number indicates how much protection your sunscreen provides against UVB rays. A higher number means better protection. SPF 30+ blocks 98% of UVA rays and 93% of UVB rays. If you're not sure what percentage of each type of ray your sunscreen protects, check out this chart.

Reapply after swimming

When you swim, water evaporates off your body, leaving only trace amounts behind. That's why you need to reapply sunscreen immediately after getting wet. You may want to use a moisturizer or lotion instead of sunscreen if you have oily skin.