Summer’s a great time for dogs of all breeds. Sun, sand, water, hikes — what’s not to love? It may be a lot easier, if you live in a colder climate, to enjoy all the wonderful activities and fun that the outdoors have to offer during the warmer seasons, but one thing you have to remember is that over-activity can be just as dangerous as extended periods of lethargy and stagnation. While humans do fine in sunshine for the most part, remember that we’re not usually wearing big furry sweaters while we’re enjoying the weather! Here are a few things to be cautious of while you’re out doing your favorite things with your pet this season.
Exhaustion
When it’s hot out, dogs, just like humans, get tired much more quickly. The problem is that dogs often don’t show signs of true exhaustion until a couple of hours after the activity is over, because they’re so excited and carried away by things like chasing balls or swimming that they’re experiencing adrenaline instead of what’s actually happening in their muscles. It’s up to responsible owners to see when they’ve had enough and get them into a cool space to rest. Dogs need their beauty sleep too! That’s why a bed that can provide uninterrupted hours of rest and proper support for joints and muscles, such as an orthopedic bed from Mammoth Outlet, is a fantastic investment to make.
Overheating
It’s quite dangerous to have dogs outside in very hot temperatures, especially big dogs, because they cannot cool themselves down by sweating. If you observe your dog panting hard, showing reluctance to move around, or behaving strangely in the heat, it’s absolutely necessary that you find a way to cool him or her down, or get into some air conditioning. Never, ever leave your dog in an enclosed space without ventilation, like a parked car, because these heat up extremely quickly.
Dehydration
Along with overheating, dehydration is also a real threat during the summer. Have your dog drink lots of water by offering it to him or her at regular intervals during outdoor time. Another way to make sure pets are getting enough fluids is to offer them ice cubes to munch on. Sometimes, pets are too worked up, excited, or distracted by their surroundings to really sit down and drink water, so it’s important that you do this when you’re ready for them to go rest in their Mammoth beds, where they can recharge for the whole next day of fun.
Remember, also, to watch out for summertime dangers like ticks, mites, and fleas when you’re out hiking. Purchasing a chemical product to keep these critters off your dog isn’t the best idea, because something like that might affect your canine’s health, but using as many preventative measures as you can, like the antibacterial lining on all of Mammoth Outlet’s dog bed covers, is a great way to ensure there’s nothing burrowing into your pup’s skin at night. A wonderful and memorable season full of dogs and fun is that simple!