The summer months are a time to make long-lasting memories with friends, family, and the ones you love. This includes your Goldendoodle, of course! Some of the things that make summer memorable also come with a certain amount of risk, however. Here are a few summer safety tips for dogs to help make sure your summer’s filled with fond and happy memories.
Don’t leave your dog in a the car.
Never leave your dog in a car during the summer. This is the most basic summer safety tip for dogs. It doesn’t matter if you’re just going in the store for a minute, if you park in the shade, or if the windows are rolled down.
It takes just 30 minutes for a parked car to reach temperatures over 100 degrees in 70-degree weather. Leaving a dog in a parked car can be fatal.
Carry water and a dog bowl.
If you aren’t 100% certain that you will have ready access to potable water and a dish for your Goldendoodle, be safe and bring some water for your dog and a clean dog bowl when you’re taking day trips or summer travel. Don’t let your dog drink from natural water sources as they may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants.
Goldendoodles are natural swimmers, but…
Never assume that your dog knows how to swim. Even though most Goldendoodles are great swimmers, you won’t know if your dog is a strong swimmer until he proves it.
Consider keeping your dog in shallow water until you’re confident in his swimming ability. Also, it’s wise to invest in a life vest for your dog even if he’s a strong swimmer.
Take it easy with the exercise.
Some people enjoy running, hiking, or playing fetch or catch with their Goldendoodles. Be careful when exercising with your Goldendoodle in the summer. Dogs can’t sweat to keep cool in the same way that humans can.
Try to avoid physical activity during peak sunlight hours, stay in shaded areas, and always have water for your dog.
Know which human foods are harmful to dogs.
Summertime is hallmarked by picnics, barbecues, and cookouts. It might be tempting to give your dog a treat from your plate, but you should know which foods can make your dog sick.
You know that chocolate can be harmful for a dog, but that’s not the only food that can make a dog ill.
Keep your dog safe while traveling.
Always make sure that your dog has a collar, identification tags with your phone number, and an identifying microchip before taking her to a new place. It’s easy for a dog to get lost in an unfamiliar place.
Read our tips for traveling with a Goldendoodle.
Think about your pup’s paws.
Did you know that runners in Death Valley have to run on the yellow painted lines? If they run on the black asphalt, the rubber from their shoes begins to melt. You’re not taking your dog for a stroll through Death Valley, but the ground outside can still be too hot for your dog.
Sand, gravel, and pavement can get incredibly hot during the summer; avoid going for walks during the hottest parts of the day.
Keep your dog safe from parasites.
There are more insects and parasites during the summer months than the cooler parts of the year. Many of these parasites can carry disease, which if left untreated can make your dog very sick.
There’s a wide variety of medications, collars, shampoos, etc. to protect your dog from parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Dogs can sunburn, too.
Your dog might not sunburn as easily as you do, but it’s still possible for a dog to sunburn. This is especially true for dogs with very thin coats and short hair. Goldendoodle owners don’t usually have to worry about this!
We have Goldendoodle puppies ready for their new homes. Take a look at our available Goldendoodle puppies, and contact Platinum Goldies online, or call us at 501-514-1026, for more information about our Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Arkansas!