Safe summer fun with your dog: games by the water, hikes and trips

Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor adventures, and your four-legged friends deserve to revel in those warm, sunny days too. However, to ensure summer fun with your dog brings only joy and benefit, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. This article from Tvaryny will be your invaluable guide for planning waterside activities, hikes, and travels with your beloved pet, helping you steer clear of potential risks and make every moment unforgettable. Read on to find out more!

Water Games: Refreshing Fun for You and Your Dog

Water holds a special allure for many dogs, and a good swim can be a brilliant way to cool down on a hot day and boost their spirits. But before you head to the nearest body of water, there are a few important considerations.

Choosing a Safe Swimming Spot

• Check the water quality: Avoid stagnant water, visible pollution, the presence of blue-green algae, or unpleasant odours. Such water can harbour harmful bacteria and parasites.
• Assess depth and currents: Opt for locations with shallow, gently sloping banks and minimal current, especially if your dog isn’t a confident swimmer. Sudden changes in depth can be dangerous.
• Pay attention to the bottom: Ensure there are no sharp objects, broken glass, submerged branches, or other hazardous items that could injure your pet’s paws.
• Avoid crowded beaches: At popular beaches, your dog might feel stressed, and there’s a risk of conflict with other beachgoers. Choose more secluded spots where dogs are permitted to swim.
• Check for lifeguard services: If you’re planning to swim in a large body of water, it’s advisable to choose a location with lifeguard services nearby.

Gradual Introduction to Water

Not all dogs are natural-born swimmers. Some might need time to get used to the water. Never force your dog into the water. Encourage them with treats and praise, allowing them to simply paddle at the shallow end or play in the shallows first. If your dog is fearful of water, don’t push them – perhaps they’d prefer other summer activities.

Safety While Swimming

• Use a dog life jacket: This is especially crucial for older dogs, puppies, brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs), and those who aren’t strong swimmers. A life jacket provides extra buoyancy and helps keep your dog’s head above water.
• Never leave your dog unsupervised: Even if your dog is a good swimmer, always stay close and keep an eye on them. Unforeseen situations can arise at any moment.
• Control time in the water: Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to hypothermia. Take regular breaks so your dog can warm up and rest.
• Ensure good hygiene: After swimming, always rinse your dog’s coat with clean water to remove any dirt, algae, or salt (after swimming in the sea). Thoroughly dry their coat, especially around the ears, to prevent infections.
• Have drinking water readily available: Even if your dog drinks from the body of water, always offer them clean drinking water to prevent dehydration and potential stomach issues.

Hiking with Your Dog: Exploring Scenic Routes

Long walks in the fresh air are a fantastic way for both you and your dog to stay fit, and an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, when planning a hike, you need to consider your pet’s characteristics and potential dangers.

Preparing for Your Hike

• Assess your dog’s fitness: Make sure your dog is fit enough for the planned route. Don’t take elderly dogs, puppies, or dogs with chronic illnesses on strenuous hikes without consulting a vet.
• Choose an appropriate route: Select routes that match your dog’s physical capabilities and the weather conditions. In hot weather, shaded forest trails are preferable. Avoid challenging terrains with steep ascents and descents, as well as routes where encounters with wild animals are likely.
• Check the weather forecast: Don’t set off on a hike in extremely hot weather, during thunderstorms, or strong winds. The optimal temperature for hiking with a dog is cool to moderately warm.
• Inform someone of your route: Tell someone your plan, route, and estimated time of return.

Essential Dog Gear for Hiking

Item	Purpose
Harness or collar with ID tag	For identifying your dog if they get lost. The tag should include your phone number.
Lead (not an extendable one)	For controlling your dog, especially in areas with other people or animals. Extendable leads can be dangerous on narrow paths.
Water and food bowl	To provide your dog with water and food during the hike.
Water bottle	For hydrating your dog. Take a sufficient supply of water, especially in hot weather.
Portable water dispenser (flask with built-in bowl)	A convenient option for hydrating your dog on the go.
Food	Take enough food for the planned duration of your hike.
Poop bags	Be responsible and clean up after your pet.
Dog first-aid kit	Should contain bandages, antiseptic, tweezers for tick removal, and any medications your dog might need (as advised by your vet).
Towel	To wipe your dog’s paws after crossing water obstacles or muddy sections.
Paw protection (special booties or wax)	To protect paws from sharp stones, hot asphalt, or other irritants.

Safety During Your Hike

• Keep your dog on a lead: This is essential for the safety of your dog, other people, and wildlife. Adhere to rules of conduct in natural areas.
• Offer your dog water regularly: Maintaining hydration is especially important in hot weather. Calculate the amount of water based on the duration and intensity of the hike.
• Monitor your dog’s paws: Regularly check their paws for injuries, scratches, or trapped debris. Use protective wax or booties if necessary.
• Protect your dog from overheating: Avoid intense exertion during the hottest part of the day. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Look out for signs of overheating: heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, lethargy. If these appear, immediately move your dog to a cool spot and give them water.
• Protect against parasites: Before your hike, treat your dog for ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Regularly inspect your dog’s coat after a walk.
• Be aware of wildlife: Avoid contact with wild animals. Do not allow your dog to bark at or chase them. Be cautious in areas where snakes might be present.
• Be ready to provide first aid: Be prepared to give your dog first aid in case of injury.

Travelling with Your Dog: Comfort and Safety on the Go

Summer travel can be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, including your furry friend. However, for a comfortable and safe journey, you need to plan all the details carefully.

Travelling by Car

• Ensure safe transport: Your dog should travel in a special carrier, a car hammock, or be secured with a specific dog seatbelt. This will prevent injuries in case of sudden braking or an accident, and avoid distracting the driver.
• Make regular stops: Stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and drink water.
• Never leave your dog in a closed car in hot weather: The temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, even with windows open. This can lead to fatal heatstroke.
• Ensure adequate ventilation: Open the windows enough to allow fresh air in, but avoid draughts.
• Have water and a bowl handy: Regularly offer your dog water during the journey.
• Bring your dog’s favourite toys and bedding: Familiar items will help your dog feel more comfortable on the road.

Travelling by Train or Plane

• Familiarise yourself with pet travel rules: Each transport company has its own regulations regarding pet travel. Find out in advance about carrier size requirements, necessary veterinary documents, and other conditions.
• Purchase a ticket for your dog: Typically, an additional fee is charged for animal transport.
• Prepare necessary documents: Usually, a pet passport with valid vaccinations and a record of parasite treatment is required. For some types of transport and international travel, additional certificates may be needed.
• Acclimatise your dog to the carrier: Introduce your dog to the carrier in advance so they feel safe and comfortable in it.
• Ensure your dog’s comfort during the journey: Place a favourite toy and a puppy pad in the carrier. Take your dog for a walk directly before the journey.
• Avoid feeding immediately before the journey: This can help prevent nausea and vomiting.

Choosing Accommodation

• Opt for pet-friendly hotels or apartments: Confirm in advance that your chosen accommodation accepts guests with pets. Familiarise yourself with their pet policies.
• Enquire about dog amenities: Some hotels offer special dog beds, bowls, or even exercise areas for dogs.
• Maintain hygiene in your accommodation: Bring your dog’s own bed and bowls. Keep the area clean to avoid inconveniencing other guests.

General Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

• Never leave your dog alone in hot weather: This applies not just to cars, but also to enclosed balconies, greenhouses, and other places without proper ventilation.
• Protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces: Asphalt, sand, and paving slabs can get incredibly hot in the sun and burn your dog’s paws. Walk in the mornings or evenings when surfaces are cooler. Use special booties or protective paw wax if needed.
• Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water: It’s especially vital to monitor hydration in hot weather and during active outings.
• Protect your dog from sunburn: Dogs with light fur and sensitive skin can get sunburn, especially on their ears and nose. Use pet-specific sunscreens.
• Be vigilant for signs of heatstroke: Heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and disorientation are alarming symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention. If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool place immediately, wet their coat with cool water, and contact a vet.
• Regularly treat your dog for parasites: Summer is prime season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can carry dangerous diseases. Use vet-recommended preventative treatments.
• Avoid contact with poisonous substances: In summer, the risk of poisoning from garden chemicals, insect repellents, etc., increases. Keep hazardous substances out of your dog’s reach.
• Provide your dog with a shady resting spot: Even if you’re spending time in the garden, your dog should have the option to shelter from direct sunlight.
• Check for ticks after every walk: Pay particular attention to hard-to-reach areas such as the ears, armpits, and groin.
• Have your vet’s contact information handy: In case of unforeseen situations, you should be able to quickly contact your vet. If you’re travelling, find out the contact details of veterinary clinics at your destination.

By following these simple safety rules, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful summer break with your beloved four-legged friend, filled with joyous moments and cherished memories. Remember, looking after your dog’s safety is the key to their health and your peace of mind.