Summer is in full swing! There are so many plans ahead: long walks, trips to the countryside, and vacations at the cottage. Your dog will definitely be happy! The main thing is to properly prepare and protect your dog from the troubles that the summertime promises. What kind of troubles are we talking about and how to protect the dog?

1. Resisting Heatstroke 

Did you know that the air in a locked car can get up to 46 C, even if it's only +20 outside? In no case, the dog should not be left alone in the cabin even for 5 minutes! Otherwise, a heat stroke is almost guaranteed. But the cause of stroke may be not only a locked car or a long stay in the open sun.

What to do?

• Don't leave your dog alone in a locked car

• Carry water and a bowl for your dog when walking

• Avoid exposing your dog to the sun for long periods of time

• Choose the coolest time for walks

• Do not overwork the dog

• Keep the room where your dog lives unventilated

• Make sure the dog drinks enough fluids.

2. Let's Fight Ticks! 

Ticks are the most dangerous "summer" parasites. They can be carriers of diseases (piroplasmosis is the most dangerous for dogs) and if a tick bites, your dog can get sick.

You don't have to go to the woods to get ticks. Your dog can catch them in the yard or a park nearby.

What to do?

Ticks become active when the air temperature reaches 5C. Therefore, it is recommended to treat your pet against ticks "from snow to snow". That is, from the first warming until cold weather sets in.

3. Protection Against Dehydration 

In the heat of summer, your dog needs more fluids than usual. If for any reason your pet doesn't drink water or drinks very little, you need to help your dog restore and maintain the water balance.

What to do.

• Make sure the dog always has clean, fresh water readily available.

• If your dog refuses to drink from a bowl, get another stainless steel bowl. It should be the right size and shape for your dog.

• Bring water and a bowl for your dog on walks.

• If your dog is eating dry food, add wet food of the same brand to the menu.

4. "No!" to Sunburn And Coat Burn 

A dog can get sunburned just like a human. And their coats can get sunburned and dulled by the sun.

What to do?

• Avoid getting exposed to the sun.

• If you have a hairless dog, apply sunburn protection before you go out. Or wear special sun-protective clothing.

• Use products with UV filters (such as Black Passion ISB) to protect color from fading.

Do not cut your dog's hair unless it is required by the breed standard! A haircut will not protect your dog from the heat. Long hair has a thermoregulatory function: it keeps the dog warm in winter and cool in summer. By cutting it, you disrupt the thermoregulation.

5. Preventing an Escape 

The more walks and trips ahead, the more chances your dog has to run away and get lost. Even the most obedient dog can run away without realizing it. A playful dog can get away from its owner and get lost and run away even further. And there are dogs who are born "fugitives. They dig excitement, jump over fences or make a break for it as soon as the owner turned away.

What to do?

• Walk your dog on a leash.

• Let your dog off-leash only in enclosed or familiar areas.

• Reinforce the fence at your summer house: prevent the dog from digging or jumping over the fence.

• One last reminder that no matter how far you travel, you should always carry a doggie first aid kit.

Bio: Effie J Franks works as a content writer in Write My Papers 4Me, company that provides expert paper help for students. She likes sharing her experience in the form of articles. In her free time, Effie enjoys rock climbing, bike riding and walking with her dog Ricky.