Summer is officially upon us. If you have a dog, you’ll need to pay some extra attention to Fido over the next few months. The heat can be rough on Man’s Best Friend! Read on for some ‘pawesome’ tips from a Smyrna, GA vet on how to keep your pup cool and comfy.
Splash Around
If your canine pal enjoys swimming, then by all means take him to his favorite spot. Just stick with safe areas. Avoid any place with steep drops, heaving boat/jetski traffic, or strong currents. If you prefer lakes, be careful about blue-green algae blooms. You’ll also need to be cautious of snakes and gators.
Of course, swimming isn’t the best option for all of our four-legged buddies. If your pooch isn’t really cut out for it, get him a kiddie pool to splash around in instead. Fido may also enjoy playing in the water from a fountain or sprinkler. There are quite a few adorable ones made specifically for dogs. Some of these spray water when your four-legged friend steps on a pad. This can make for a pretty happy dog, which is adorable to see.
Summer Do
A cute trim can also help your furry buddy beat the heat. This one isn’t right for all our canine companions: if your pooch has a double coat, you should never clip or trim his fur, as you could damage his coat. If you aren’t sure whether or not this is a good option for Fido, ask your vet.
Cold Treats
Fido loves a cold treat just as much as the rest of us. You can find ice cream made just for dogs in many pet stores and grocery markets. Instant tail wags!
Cooling Pads
Cooling pads are definitely a hit with Man’s Best Bud. Some are like blankets, which you can put in your pup’s bed. Others are more like vests that your furry pal would wear. Do some research before choosing one.
Comfy Beds
It’s important for your canine buddy to have a cool, comfy place to go relax. Consider getting Fido an elevated doggy bed. These are also good for summer, because they allow air to flow beneath them, like a hammock would.
Please contact us with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Smyrna, GA pet clinic, we’re here to help!
