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Your summer with dog – The best tips

Finally, it is summer. Many people are looking forward to this season all year round. For dog owners with their four-legged friends, however, the summer has some challenges in store. In this article, the most important aspects are addressed so that you can experience an unforgettable summer together with your dog.

Before introducing all the great things you can do with your dog in the summer, there are some important dog safety things to consider.

Attention to heat!

In summer, you must never leave your dog alone in the car. The car heats up so much within minutes that it becomes life-threatening for your dog. From 20 degrees it quickly becomes dangerous for all dogs in the car, for short-nosed dogs even earlier. Due to the fact that the internal temperature of the car rises extremely quickly, the dog must not be left alone in the car even for a few minutes.

The danger of the heat trap in the car is now known to many dog owners, another major danger that far more dog owners very underestimate is that of hot asphalt. At an outside temperature of 25 degrees Celcius, the asphalt is already over 50 degrees Celcius hot! To make sure that the surface is not too hot for your dog, you can put the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If the ground is too hot for your hand, it will be for your dog’s paws. Even if your dog walks across the asphalt without any problems, it does not mean that he is not in pain. Often dogs have no choice but to walk, and over time they burn the pads of their paws. A good rule of thumb is to test any surface briefly with the back of your hand before your dog steps on it, starting at 25 degrees Celcius outside.

But what can you do if the asphalt is too hot?

Small dogs can be carried to the nearest meadow. Medium and larger dogs can be driven in a dog buggy to the nearest meadow or taken by car to the nearest forest. For all dogs, however, it is advisable to do the dog walks in the morning and evening hours and during the day to take the dogs only to the garden or to the nearest meadow to do their business.

In addition to moving dog walks to the morning and evening hours, all sporting activities should also be moved to the morning or evening. On particularly hot days or when it does not cool down at night, sporting activities should be stopped completely.

Also, make sure your dog always has enough water and a cool place to stay.

Watch out for foxtails!

Another danger that lurks in the summer is that of foxtails. Foxtails grow on roadsides and can be very dangerous for the dog. The foxtail gets stuck in the dog’s fur and bores through the skin into the inside of the dog. Due to their small barbs, the foxtails can then only be removed surgically. In summer, you should avoid roadsides with foxtails with your dog, and when it‘s not possible check his paws and fur after the walk.

Have fun in the water!

But in addition to some of the dangers, you should be aware of as a dog owner in the summer, this time of year also offers some fun.

For example, many dogs love water and enjoy a trip to a lake. Summer is the perfect time of year for a variety of water activities. How about stand-up paddling with a dog? If you don’t have the opportunity to go to a lake, maybe a dog splash pool is a great way for your dog to cool off. Some dogs also have a lot of fun having a water fight with the garden hose. With all activities with or near water, just make sure your dog doesn’t swallow too much water – then you risk water poisoning!

Alternatives for water-shy dogs:

If your dog is not a water rat, then you can keep him busy indoors with various exercises. How about practicing a new trick from our Pupy app or making a dog toy for the dog? Or you can hide treats for your dog in the apartment. Chewables can also keep your dog busy in the summer. Just make sure it’s cool enough or that the dog takes breaks to pant in between to cool down.

Also, your dog will be happy about a dog ice cream. You can easily make dog ice cream on your own; various recipes are available on the Internet or you visit an ice cream parlor, which also offers varieties for the dog (a scoop of vanilla is also a possibility from time to time).

Your dog will also be happy about a dog ice cream. You can easily make this yourself, there are many recipes on the Internet or you can visit an ice cream parlor, which also offers varieties for the dog (a scoop of vanilla is also a possibility from time to time).

And what about traveling?

The summer is also a popular travel season. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that especially in the summer vacations very many dogs are abandoned. Please take care early enough for a caregiver for your dog, if you do not want to take him with you on vacation. If you decide to go on vacation together with your dog, please also organize everything important early. Then, however, the joint vacation with dog can bring wonderful memories.

Ultimate tip list for a great dog summer:

  • Attention hot asphalt!
  • No dog stays alone in the car!
  • Walks in the morning and evening
  • Attention foxtails!
  • Enough drinking water and a cool place
  • Trip to the lake: swimming, stand up paddling, and more
  • Dog paddling pool or water hose
  • In the apartment or house with mental stimulation
  • Make your own dog ice cream
  • Organize dog care for vacation early or plan a vacation with dog

By Frederike Spyrka

Trickdog Trainer

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