As the summer approaches, you are likely preparing for long days, time outdoors, and some serious heat. Labradors are loveable, energetic dogs that need to play outside daily; and in the summer there’s some specific precautions you should take to make sure your Labrador is safe! Below are some tips to make sure you and your Labrador have a fun, safe summer.
Protect Their Paws
The ground locks in heat, especially if you’re walking your pup on concrete or asphalt. Typically, concrete is about 20-50 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, whereas asphalt is 45-53 degrees warmer! Both surfaces will lock in more heat with higher temps, so it’s important to protect your pup’s paws!
The best thing to do is change walking times to when the sun is at its coolest: typically, early morning and late evening. However, it’s likely that your Labrador will have to be let out throughout the day. Invest in some booties for your Labrador, or some soothing salve that you can coat on their paws so that they stay safe all summer.
Tip: this is good practice for winter, too! Salt from salt trucks or neighbors is great for dissolving ice, but not for our friends’ feet!
Hydrate
While your dog should have access to fresh water constantly, it’s even more important in the summer. If you’re taking your pet to the park, or out on the town with you, make sure you bring a travel bowl and some water. Most places that aren’t dog centered (like restaurants) will likely offer water for your pet, but it’s still best practice to bring your own so you can always be prepared! Even if you bring your dog to a lake or other body of water, make sure you bring fresh, clean, drinking water.
Enjoy a Cool Treat
Who doesn’t love a nice ice cream in the summer? While we don’t want to share human sweet treats with our beloved pets, you can always make them a pet safe version! Try combining plain yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter in a blender, pour into molds, and freeze! Or for a non-dairy version: simply freeze high quality beef bone broth in your molds and give them to your pup.
If you’re looking for a Labrador to love this summer, or adding another Labrador to your family, contact Hidden Pond Labradors at 607-857-1461, or view our adorable puppies online!
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