Whilst summertime means fun in the sun for you and your dog, it can also bring some hot weather hazards.

To avoid dampening your sunny season, read on for these tips on keeping your pet safe!

Hot pavement, sad paws
Did you know that on a 25-degree day, pavement temperatures can rise to 52 degrees, whereas on a 35-degree day, they can reach a scorching 65 degrees?

To prevent burns to your pet’s paws, do the “7-second check”, where you place the back of your hand against the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you – it’s too hot for your pet to walk on. Instead, try walking your pet only in the early morning or late evening, or stick to natural grassy surfaces.

Swimming safely
Whilst a dip in the pool can be fun and an excellent way for you and your pet to cool down, it’s essential to supervise your pet in the pool as you would a young child.

Train your pet where the pool steps are, and ensure they take a rest break if they start to pant heavily or look tired whilst swimming.

At the end of the swimming session, it’s also a good idea to rinse chlorinated water off them and pat them dry, especially around their ears, to help prevent skin irritation from moist fur.

Keeping cool
If the weather is humid or temperatures exceed 28 degrees, exercising your pet may be unsafe and should be avoided. This advice is especially vital to protect thick-coated breeds, overweight or brachycephalic (flatter-faced) pets, that are more likely to overheat.

Ensure your pet always has access to cool fresh water and shade, and if it’s uncomfortably hot or they’re panting heavily, let them hang out in front of a fan or an air-conditioned room.

For more information on protecting your pet against summer hazards, consult our summer-sensible team!