Tips on keeping your dog cool this summer

As the weather warms up and the days get longer ,most dogowners take the oppor- tunitytos pend mor et ime outdoo rs with th eir fourlegged friends.The summer, however, poses certain dangers to your dog.

To help owners have a happy and safe summer season with their dogs, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips to avoid summertime hazards.

Never leave your dog alone inside a hot car.

When it’s 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach 1 25 degrees very qu ickly. Even with the windows left open, the heat can pose a hazard. Heatstro kecanbe fatal for dogs. Either take them inside with you or leave them at home.

Protect your dog’s paws.

Some people thin kthatthe pads on a dog’s paws are like shoes, but they’re not. Side- walk s and stre ets become extremely hot in the summer ,andwh ile dogs’ paws are tougher than human feet, they still can get burned by hot pavement. Keep your dog on the grass in extreme heat to keep his paws intact. Also remember that sand c an burn too, therefore try taking your long walks with your dog early in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Paw balms are also helpful.

Keep your dog cool and hydrated.

If the hot weather is making you uncomfortable, chances are your dog is too. Do gs can end up becoming overheated and suffering from heat stroke when the temperatures rise. Don’t leave your dog outside in the heat unsupervised. Make sure there is always cool water indoors and outside. If your do ga ppears to be overheated, apply cool, wet cloths to his pads, head and belly.

Apply sunscreen if necessary.

Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned too. Hairless and light-skinned dogs have a greater chance of getting burnt. Make sure to apply dog-safe sunscreen on your pup if he’s going to be outside in the sun.

For more tips on dog ownership, visit the AKC at www. akc.org.