Summertime is right around the corner, and pet owners everywhere are gearing up for some fun in the sun with their furry friends. But along with all that fun comes extra responsibility – especially when it comes to keeping your pup healthy and safe. Here’s a quick list of five tips to help keep your dog healthy this summer.

Tip #1: Don’t Overdo It on Exercise in the Heat 

It’s easy to get carried away during long, hot days spent outdoors with your pup. But remember that dogs can overheat quickly – especially breeds with short snouts (like pugs and bulldogs). Monitor your dog’s activity level in the heat, and be sure to provide plenty of water for them to stay hydrated. And if you’re taking them on a jog or long walk, make sure you bring a portable water bowl so they can drink as needed. 

Tip #2: Protect Their Paws 

You may not realise it, but your puppy’s paws are quite sensitive – especially in the summertime when hot pavement, sand, and other surfaces can easily burn their paws. Be sure to check how hot the surface is before letting them walk on it (you can do this by pressing your hand against it for 10 seconds). If it feels too warm for you, then it’s probably too warm for them! Consider investing in some booties or paw waxes to protect their paws from the hot surfaces. 

Tip #3: Watch Out for Ticks & Fleas 

Summertime means more bugs – including ticks and fleas – which can cause serious health issues if they take up residence on your pup! Be sure to use monthly flea treatments and check your pet regularly for ticks during warm weather months. Also, consider using a tick-repellent product like Flea and tick repentant or Seresto before heading outdoors with your pooch!

Tip #4: Schedule Regular Checkups With The Vet 

Even if nothing seems wrong with your pup during the summer months, it’s still important to schedule regular check-ups with the vet just in case something slips under the radar. These visits will help ensure that any health issues are caught early on and treated properly before they become bigger problems down the road. 

Tip #5: Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations 

Vaccines are essential for keeping both you and your pet healthy – so make sure you stay up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian throughout the year! This includes rabies shots as well as distemper/parvovirus vaccines which help protect against common illnesses such as parvo or canine distemper virus (CDV).  

Keeping our pets healthy is a top priority no matter what time of year it is—but during summer months there are extra precautions we need to take due to increased temperatures and outdoor activities. Following these five tips will go a long way towards ensuring that our pups stay happy and healthy all season long! So be sure to give them plenty of water, watch out for burning surfaces and pesky insects, schedule regular checkups with the vet, and make sure they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations—it’s all part of being a responsible pet owner!