Hot Dog! Safety Tips to Help Keep Pets Safe and Cool This Summer

Some dogs love to go for a swim and may have even been bred for that exact purpose and there’s no better time than summer to take them for a swim. But many other breeds not only dislike swimming—some cannot swim at all. While dogs such as retrievers, poodles and water spaniels might take to the water like fish, the following breeds can’t swim at all: basset hounds, bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, corgis, Scottish and Boston terriers and greyhounds.

If you have a dog or other pets that fall into the latter group and you own a swimming pool you might consider installing a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that pets could use to get over, under, or through. Even if your dog knows how to swim, experts recommend never leaving it alone in a pool.

Lots of pet owners like to ‘decorate’ pets on the 4th of July, but be careful and thoughtful when it comes to decorating your pet with 4th of July spirit. Some pets are used to wearing a bandana or other small articles, but if your pet has never donned a festive bandana—the 4th of July holiday is not the time to start. Pets could get caught when wearing clothing or other items they’re not used to. Consider a holiday-themed collar or leash instead.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent not labeled specifically for use on animals to your pet. Human sunscreen products can be toxic to pets and could result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst if ingested. Insect repellent that contains DEET can also lead to neurological problems in animals.

To help make sure you and your pet have a safe summer, it’s also important to remember to stay cool and have plenty of water on hand, in bottles and cups for humans and in cool, shaded bowls for four-legged family members.

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