Summer is making a comeback today. If you're a pet owner, you may need a refresher course on summer dangers for your furry friend. 

Sidewalks

Before you take your dog out for a walk, step outside yourself without your shoes on. How does it feel on your feet? If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for their paws. Asphalt and concrete can just bake on hot summer days and in turn can end up burning your dog's paws. It's also very hard to keep them off their paws so they can heal. Instead, walk the dog around the yard or the dog park and keep them in the grass.


Dehydration

Even if your dog is in a dog house or kennel in the shade, on warm days like today, they are at a very high risk of dehydration. Of course, your dog can't tell you they're dehydrated, but if their nose or mouth is dry, their gums are sticky, they're dehydrated. It's a good idea to keep water in their dish when they're outside, but it's also important to not leave them outside for long periods of time. If your dog is severely dehydrated, you may need to bring them to the vet for an IV.


Swimming

It's natural for humans who want to cool off to head to the lake or the pool and bring the dog with, but did you know that dogs lack the ability to hoist themselves out of a pool? Sure, dogs are pretty good swimmers, but if they can't get out of the pool, they can become panicked and drown. Smaller dogs can become stricken with hypothermia. Pool chemicals are also harmful to your dog's digestive system, so don't let them drink the water.


Grills

You're so tempted to give your dog something when you're out at the grill, but you must resist that sweet little face. Human food can be very dangerous to pets. Lunch meat, pork, burgers and chicken can do a number on their digestive system. Bones can also splinter and cause problems, so I know they're cute, but resist.


Cars

If I see you leave a dog or a child in a hot car, I will harm you or break a window to get them out. It takes almost no time for the temperature inside a car to soar. A dog's temperature is seven to ten degrees higher than a human, so hot days and hot cars are even more dangerous for them. Even if you crack the windows, it doesn't matter. Humans can sweat all over their bodies, but dogs can only sweat through their ears and paws. Sure, they can pant, but they're already hot, and panting is hard work, so just don't ever, ever leave a dog, a cat, a child, or anything in a hot car on a day like this.

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