5 Ways To Protect Your Dog This Summer

Summer is here and it seems like it has been a long time coming, right? Your dogs may love it, but you need to ensure they are safe when they spend time in the sun. We have tips to keep your dogs safe this summer! 

Many dogs love to play in the water, our dogs definitely want to be with us, no matter where we are! And we love that, but as pet parents, it is up to us to keep our dogs safe under the sun. 

Did you know: Dogs can get sunburned? It's true! This is especially true for white or light-colored dogs or dogs with short fur. If you have a dog with short fur, or one who is light-colored, you will want to shop for sunblock and cover your pup's nose, ears and perhaps even his or her entire body. 

We have put together 5 ways to keep your dog safe this summer, especially since Memorial Day is upon us and that is the official kick-off to summer! Memorial Day also usually means picnics, friends, family and even road trips, right? 

1. Bring your pup's food with you to the picnic. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other delicious grilled foods are all right for the humans, but could make your pup sick. It may be tempting to slip him food from your plate but resist the urge. Items in salads, like onions can be unhealthy, or even deadly for your pup. If you HAVE to slip your pup a treat, stick to fresh veggies like carrots, green peppers or zucchini slices. Fruits like apple slices or even small bites of watermelon (with no seeds) can be a delicious treat. 

2. Keep your pup on a leash. This is especially true if you're at an unfamiliar place. Your dog may be trained well enough to come back to you when you call, but don't take a chance that something will scare him and he will run off and forget all his training. Invest in a harness and a collar and leash for your pup that is comfortable and stylish. Make sure your dog has a collar with your contact information on it and that it is up-to-date. 

3. Bring a water bowl and keep it full. It may not seem hot to you, but it could be hot for your pup, especially if she is running around with other dogs or with family members. Keep the water bowl full and make sure your dog knows where it is. Stop her frequently and give her a drink. 

4. Don't force your dog into the water in a swimming pool or other body of water. Not all dogs can swim and not all dogs should be in the water. Bulldogs, for example, are too heavy to swim. If they go in the water they shouldn't go any deeper than their bellies and you need to make sure their feet can still touch the ground. Put your dog in a life vest -- even if she is a good swimmer -- to keep her safe. 

5. Pay attention to your dog's body language. Your pup may be the gentlest soul on the planet, but if she is in an unfamiliar place surrounded by unfamiliar people, you need to ensure she is not anxious and that she is not scared. A scared dog may bite simply to protect herself. If possible, find a quiet space you and your pup can escape to if she is getting too wound up. Also, keep in mind that children are face-level with a dog and if your dog isn't accustomed to having a child right in her face, she may be scared or nervous and bite. Keep everyone safe this summer season. 

When traveling to your destination, keep your pup secure in the car by keeping him in a crate or leashed into a safety harness. 

Check out our other blog posts and take a deep dive into all Magoos Pet Outlet has to offer! Magoo's Pets has all the pet-centric items you need to keep your new pet happy and healhy!