Caring for your dog in the summer I

With summer just around the corner, it's important to know how to best care for your dog.

As the weather becomes increasingly warm, many dogs like to lie in the sun, swim, or play freely with their owners. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburns are common and can become serious very quickly.

Heat and Hydration

Pay special attention to your dog’s food and drink during the summer. On hot days, when dogs lose more moisture through panting, dogs may drink more than usual.  Keep checking that your pet has plenty of fresh, clean water. It's probably a good idea to put an extra bowl of water outside if your dog spends time in the yard. Remember, water will evaporate more quickly from bowls when the weather is hot, so always be sure there's plenty of water and that it's changed frequently.

When you take your dog for a walk in the summer, particularly when the weather is hot, carry some extra water for your dog, and a bowl. Stop frequently to allow your pet to have a drink. Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Never, ever, leave a dog in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. Don't be fooled into thinking you can quickly pop into a store and your dog will be fine in the car. In the summer, parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can heat up like ovens in a very short time. Panting is not efficient enough to cool the dog in such conditions. Dogs can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long.

Strenuous exercise in hot, humid weather can also cause heat stroke. The symptoms are obvious – restlessness, panting excessively, and drooling. Dehydration is another severe condition if not treated immediately. Dogs suffering from dehydration may have a loss of skin elasticity and their mouths may become dry and tacky with thick saliva. If the dog is not treated immediately it can become a very serious condition.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in cool - not cold - water and wrap a damp towel around the dog. This is a serious medical emergency and you must seek veterinary attention immediately.

Pet care options during vacation time

Pet Sitting Services


Sometimes you want personalized, in-home care for your pet.  A one-on-one residential pet sitting service would be an option, where your pet is treated like a member of the family.  The pet sitter invites your pet or pets to stay in his or her home for the duration of your vacation.  There may be a discount if you only need an overnight stay (for a weekend trip).

Maybe you feel more comfortable leaving your pet at doggy day care than leaving him alone all day.  Maybe you need somewhere to take her when the cable guy comes by.  Some caregivers will even pick up or drop off your pet for day care services.   


Pet visits to your home are another option. The pet sitter can come to your home once or several times a day depending upon your typical schedule. This will allow your pet to keep it's normal routine, remain safe and comfortable and still receive exercise and personal care.

Leashrly Life provides all these services, plus pet exercise and dog obedience training.  Check out the website at http://www.leashrlylife.com/.