We took some time out of our busy schedules to talk with Motherhood Moment about summer pet safety. Read on for seven ways Camp Bow Wow franchise owners and pet parents alike, can keep all the doggies in town safe as the temperatures rise.
Every summer, dogs are harmed when they’re left in hot cars or outdoors without enough water or proper sun protection. Rising temperatures can endanger a fun-loving pooch. Don’t let furry friends fall victim to sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, or worse. Take a few precautions:
Trim Fido’s Coat
A dog’s long locks may be luscious, but they’re making him HOT! To prevent overheating, dogs should have their coats shaved down to one inch in length — but remember, never shave down to the skin. You still want them to have adequate sun protection.
Apply Sunscreen
Did you know that sunburns aren’t limited to us, fair-skinned humans? A dog can get burnt just as easily as we can — especially if their hair is light in color. Cue the pet-friendly sunscreen! Some areas that are prone to pup-burn are the inside of the nostrils, the tip of the nose, around the lips, and inside the ears.
Hydrate
This may sound like a no-brainer: “Of course dogs need plenty of water in the summer!” Just be sure that Fido’s bowl hasn’t been out in the sun for too long. This can cause harmful bacteria to grow and drinking it can make him sick.
Supervise Swimming
Never leave pets unsupervised when at the beach or around a pool. It’s important to introduce a dog to water slowly. In addition, dogs should always be bathed after splashing around in the pool to rinse the salt and/or chlorine from their fur.
Moderate Exercise Times
All pets need a little exercise each day. In the summer, early morning and late evening activity is best to avoid heat-related risks.
Look for Signs of Heat Stroke
Signs of heat stroke include: anxious facial expressions, collapse, excessive panting, rapid heartbeat, refusal to obey commands, staring, vomiting, and warm skin. If you think Fido is suffering from heat stroke contact a veterinarian immediately.
Pay Attention to the Temperature
When temperatures rise, inevitably, pets and owners are eager to get outdoors, but before heading out make sure you check the forecast. When temperatures get very high, crowds and loud noises can stress a pup to the point of danger.
Pro Tip: Pet parents that have a social function or work engagement and need a cool, safe place for Fido to reside should consider a doggy day care facility — just like Camp Bow Wow!
As a Camp Bow Wow franchise owner, you’ll be providing pet parents with a safe and worry-free alternative to the summer heat. Want to learn more? Check out the full interview on Motherhood Moment.
Interested in joining the Pack? Fill out the form below to receive your complimentary executive summary, or call us at 877-700-2275 to learn more about Camp Bow Wow and our current franchise opportunities.