Keeping Your Dog’s Summer Injury Free
With summer here, there are so many fun activities to do with your dog. Because of all of these outdoor adventures you may be taking part in, there are also many injuries or accidents that can possibly occur. Before you take your dog on one of the many exciting summer outings, read up about how to keep your dog protected and safe!
Swimming and Drowning
Just like we take precautions when our children head to the pool, we should also be aware of our dog and the accidents that can come from being in the water. Many dogs do not like to swim, but there are also dogs that aren’t physically capable of swimming. If your dog is a swimmer, make sure you get a vest on them at all times. To avoid exhaustion and dehydration, give plenty of fresh water and make sure they are not in the water for too long.
If you have a pool in your backyard, keep it gated off or covered so your dog does not accidentally go in alone. Also keep your dog away from any items in a pool that they could possibly get tangled in or that could cause a distraction from their swimming. No mater what, you should always supervise your dog, even if you’re extremely confident in their swimming abilities. If your dog does start to drown and you notice blueish skin, vomiting, and a difficulty breathing, taking them to the vet immediately.
Protect the Paws
Pavement + the hot sun = the perfect combination for a paw injury. Try to avoid walking on the hot pavement, such as asphalt, with your dog since they can cause burns. Try to walk your dog in the morning or later at night when the sun hasn’t made the ground hot. We also spend a much greater amount of time outside in the summer, which means our dogs have more opportunities to step on glass or get cuts on their paws. Keep a pet first aid kit with you to clean and wrap the cut. Head to the vet to ensure it properly heals.
Sunburns
Just like we have make sure we have our sunscreen on in the summer, so do our dogs. When your dog spends a long day out in the sun, they are also susceptible to sunburns. Your dog is at a higher risk if they have a short coat, thin hair, or exposed skin. Make sure to apply some dog sunscreen (not human) if you’ll be out in the sun. If your dog does end up getting burnt, use coconut oil to soothe the redness and pain. Don’t use human aloe or sunscreens, as these can be poisonous to dogs.
Poison Ive/Oak
In the summer, we may also be going on adventures in the woods or a forest. We may stumble into some poison ivy or oak, which is itchy and bothersome for everyone. The rash will most likely be on their belly or underside of your dog’s legs. Ideally, you would try your best to avoid these plants and be able to identify them. But if your dog does get the rash, wash your dog with soap and water many times. Do not use calamine lotion, since it is toxic to dogs. Let your vet know so they can get a medication if it is serious.
Eye Irritation
Summertime means riding with the windows down and bringing your dog along for the ride. Sometimes your dog may stick their head out the window (which they shouldn’t do) and get a scratch or debris in their eye. If you REALLY want to let your dog do this, drive a very slow speed and only drive around for a short time. When something gets in their eye, keep your dog blinking and see if you can easily get the item out. If not, grab some Vetericyn eye drops to treat the problem.
It may be overwhelming to think all these injuries could happen to your dog, but is best to be over prepared. Be proactive and you should have a safe summer!