How To Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer 

As we enter July, our second month of sunshine, it gives us no better excuse than to get outside and enjoy our picturesque countryside, stunning mountain hikes, or sandy beaches. North Wales has a lot to offer and now is the perfect time to explore with your pet pal. 

However, there are a few things to consider before you venture out during this sunny season. 

Keeping your pets cool

Preparation is key and the best way to prevent your pooch from becoming overheated when out and about, especially living in the UK as the weather is subject to change, which can often result in us going through all four seasons in one day. 

To avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm or not being able to walk on your favourite beach due to high tide, why not check the weather forecast ahead of your adventure. 

Plan your walks around the hottest periods throughout the day. Taking your dog for an afternoon walk in the sun might seem like a good idea but when temperatures begin to rise our pooches can find the experience rather challenging, especially on their paws. 

If it’s particularly hot outside or temperatures are high but with winds then you should do a body test and place your foot or hand on the ground to see how hot it is because your pet’s paw pads are sensitive, especially to hot surfaces for example heated pavements. This can cause some painful blisters or burns making walking nearly impossible. Either avoid walks while the ground is baking or purchase a pair of dog boots/ socks to protect their paws.

If you notice any change in your pet’s paws after walking on hot ground, contact your local veterinarian immediately to avoid infection.  

We pack a bag for ourselves so why should our best friends be any different. Pack your pooch with a bag of supplies, especially if you intend to go on a long journey because being pet safe is extremely important and as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is taken care of. 

What to fill your pet’s travel bag with…

First things first is water, dogs need to be kept hydrated in the summer months, whether or not you intend to go for a long walk, a walk around your local park, or relax in a summer beer garden. 

A travel water bottle is a perfect accessory for your pooch, not only do they carry the liquid your dog needs but they also have a built-in bowl reducing the amount you have to take or creating space for more goodies. 

We have a great selection of dog drinking tools on our website.

• Travel Water Bottle is the perfect size container for carrying up to 500ml of water which will keep your pooch hydrated on their walks. 
• Henry Wag Travel Bowl, if your dog can’t take to drinking from a water bottle then this compact bowl is the perfect alternative with the option to clip onto your belt or attach to your bag making carrying a whole lot easier. 
• Kurgo also has a wide range of stylish water bowls, their Splash Free Bowl is perfect for those long car journeys because it sits flat on your car floor or seat, with high sides on the bowl which help to prevent any spillages.
• As well as their water bowls, Kurgo also has a Mud Dog Travel Shower. This has been designed to keep your dog clean after muddy walks, however, it can also be used as a travel water bottle to keep your dog cool and hydrated when on their dog walks. 

If you feel that your dog needs more than water to keep its body temperature low, why not try a cooling mat. Cooling mats are a great way to keep your dog protected from the heat. They are a great addition for those long car journeys, picnics in the park, or when your four-legged friend sits out in a sunny garden.

Take a look at our Chill Out range

All For Paws Chill Out Always Cool Mat is the perfect cooling mat for your dog, easy to use with no charging necessary, this mat will keep your pet pal’s body temperature between 10 – 15 degrees Celsius cooler than the surrounding area for up to three to fours hours. 

We also stock summer-inspired cooling mats such as a Watermelon Print Circular Cool Mat as well as one designed like a Lemon slice to complement any summer garden parties. Like the All For Paws cooling mat, they will keep your pets cool throughout the summer heat. These mats are designed to recharge themselves and are known as self-cooling mats so no batteries are required. 

Cooling mats are particularly beneficial for senior dogs who might find the heat a little more unbearable than their junior pup pals. 

Unfortunately, like humans, our pet pals also need protection from the sun’s rays. Dogs with lighter coats, thinning fur, bald patches, or lightly-coloured fur such as Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to damage from the sun which can result in skin blistering and peeling. If you’re unsure about sun protection for your pets then call into one of our stores or speak with your local vet who can advise you on what will be best suited for your pooch. 

Water Safety

Going on adventures in North Wales means the possibility of stumbling across glistening pools and crashing waves is extremely high and with an increase in water sports activities many of us want to get our four-legged family members involved too. 

The majority of us assume our dog pals can swim when in reality this is sometimes not the case. Bringing your dog out on a paddleboard or in a kayak may seem like a great idea. However, if your dog can’t swim this could soon turn into a nightmare. If you are unsure about your dog’s swimming capabilities and would like to involve them in water activities you must be a responsible pet parent. 

We have some tips on how to make activities near water more enjoyable and safe.

Firstly, check to see if your dog likes water, some dogs are petrified. Under no circumstances should they be forced into the water. A pet owner might think throwing them into the water will help. Actually, this is one of the worst things that could happen. 

If this is your dog’s first time experiencing water, find a quiet dog friendly, shallow, and still place. This way your dog can fully focus on the water with no distractions. Alternatively, you could always use a paddling pool because they will already be in a safe and familiar environment. If your dog reacts well and is enjoying the water. Then including them in your activities should be fine. But they will still need time to get used to the water and safety precautions would be suggested. 

Bring some of their favourite toys to splash around in the water with. This should distract them from overthinking as well as encourage them to associate the water with playtime and fun. Remember to avoid the deeper areas at this time for fear of them running into difficulties. 

Life jackets for dogs are brilliant for keeping our four-legged swimmers safe. Kurgo has a selection of dog-friendly life jackets on our website in a variety of sizes to suit most dogs. Whether your pooch is a deep water swimmer or shallow water paddler. Or a pooch that just likes to sit back and relax in a kayak. A life jacket is a must and one of the safest items your dog should wear when out on the water.

How do I get my dog used to their doggy life vest?

Before you put a dog-friendly life jacket on your four-legged friend. You will need to get them used to it first. Let them see it, have a sniff, and perhaps a play with it. When you feel your dog is comfortable then you may put the jacket on. Let your pooch walk around the home wearing the dog life jacket for short periods of time. Perhaps reward with praise and treats to distract them the first few times you put it on. 

Water-ready? Use one of their toys and throw it into the shallow parts of the water. This will encourage them to get in and play. With each throw of the toy go a little further out. Until their paws are barely touching the bottom and watch as they start to swim. Always stay nearby in case they run into any trouble. The Kurgo Surf n Turf Life Vests has two handles on the back. Making it easy to lift or move your dog away from any potential dangers. 

Why you should never leave your dog in a locked or abandoned car

Sadly this is something that not only happens throughout the summer but all year round. Leaving your dog in a car is a big no-no. It is incredibly dangerous and a very selfish act as a pet parent. 

Inside a car, temperatures rise rapidly and with sudden weather changes in the UK. This could be detrimental to your dogs. 

Unfortunately, dogs don’t have the same amount of sweat glands as us humans. This can mean cooling down takes a little longer. Leaving them in a car with barely any air can result in issues with breathing. This leads to dehydration and heatstroke which can have an impact on your dog’s kidneys or worse. 

If you see a dog locked in a car. Especially when the temperatures are either too high or too low then contact emergency services or the RSPCA cruelty hotline. A dog should never be left alone in a car at any time. Even if you need to call quickly into a shop for an errand.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dog’s safety throughout the summer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team. You can pop into the store or get in touch via any of our social channels or website.