Essential Summer Safety Tips for Pet Care Business Owners

As travel season is in full swing, pet care business owners and staff are working fast and hard to ensure all the guests are well and cared for. Unfortunately, the risk of accidents rises as our occupancy levels increase. Implementing essential measures and precautions can help keep dogs happy, healthy, and protected during summer. This blog post will discuss crucial summer safety tips that every pet care business owner should follow.

1. Basic Commands:

Ensure that the dogs you care for know basic commands such as recall, leave it, and get on a leash quickly. These commands are essential for controlling dogs in potentially dangerous situations and maintaining their safety during outdoor activities.

2. Conduct a Nose to Tail Assessment:

Perform a thorough nose-to-tail assessment of each dog in your care before engaging in outdoor activities. Look for any signs of skin irritation, cuts, or ticks. Pay attention to their paws and ensure they are free from wounds or foreign objects that may cause discomfort during walks or playtime.

3. Update and Review First Aid Kit:

Regularly update and review the items in your first aid kit. Supplies can become expired or get damaged through use. Ensure it is well-stocked with bandages, antiseptic solutions, tweezers, and necessary medications. Be prepared to handle minor injuries or incidents during outdoor adventures.

4. Hydration:

Provide ample fresh water to all dogs in your care. Keep multiple water bowls readily available and encourage dogs to drink frequently to prevent dehydration. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowls on hot days to help regulate body temperature.

5. Water Intoxication:

Be cautious when allowing dogs to swim or play in the water. Water intoxication can occur when dogs ingest excessive water, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions. Monitor their water intake and limit prolonged exposure to bodies of water.

6. Heat Stroke:

Take precautions to prevent heat stroke, a severe, fatal condition. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, provide shade, and use cooling techniques like wet towels or misting to help dogs regulate their body temperature.

7. Hot Pavement:

Be mindful of hot pavement, which can cause severe burns on a dog’s sensitive paw pads. Before walking dogs, check the pavement temperature by placing your hand on it. If it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Opt for walks during cooler times of the day or in grassy areas.

Be sure to watch our video to hear more details about the safety and well-being of the dogs during the summer months. Remember, a little preparation and awareness go a long way in keeping our furry friends healthy and happy during the sunny season!