[caption id="attachment_5915" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://judythewriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dog-Vee-Cecil.jpg"><img class="wp-image-5915 size-medium" src="http://judythewriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dog-Vee-Cecil-300x200.jpg" alt="dog-Vee Cecil" width="300" height="200" /></a> SOURCE: Via Flickr – by Luke Ma[/caption]

<strong> </strong>If you’re a dog owner, you know that they enjoy the summer almost as much as people do. They get to spend more time outdoors, take advantage of human eats at their owner’s summer parties, and if they’re lucky, take a dip or two, in the pool or lake.

But pet owners should keep in mind that there are a few summer-specific dangers that come with all that fun. Here are a few things to watch out for so that you can ensure you and your dog fully enjoy the rest of the summer.
<h4><strong><strong>Do a thorough clean up after summer get-togethers.</strong></strong></h4>
Many dogs enjoy being around visitors. So, they find summer, with its outdoor barbecues and parties, especially great. But as the MSPCA explains in its tips for having a <a href="http://www.mspca.org/programs/pet-owner-resources/living-with-pets/pet-safety-tips/bbq-safety-tips.html"><u>pet-friendly summer</u></a>, these get-togethers are often rife with possible dangers for your dog. For example, if you aren’t careful, your dog might chomp down a barbecue skewer, which could be very dangerous for them. These parties also tend to produce a lot of trash. Make sure you’ve secured it properly so that your dog can’t fish out “dangerous items like corncobs and bones.”
<h4><strong><strong>Keep ‘em hydrated.</strong></strong></h4>
Just like humans, dogs need to stay hydrated. Whether they’re at the pool, at the park, on a hike, or just going for a walk around the neighborhood, be sure they’re drinking enough water. As these <a href="http://www.tagsforpets.com/blog/end-of-summer-safety-tips-2/"><u>end-of-summer safety tips</u></a> recommend, it’s best to bring water along with you when you have your dog in tow. That way your dog can have a drink whenever he or she needs one.
<h5><strong><strong>Lock up the chemicals.</strong></strong></h5>
All you have to do is take one look at this <a href="http://blog.intheswim.com/what-chemicals-are-needed-for-a-pool/"><u>list of common pool chemicals</u></a> and their uses to know that you don’t want your pet getting anywhere near them. In fact, when not properly handled, these chemicals are toxic for humans and animals. So, if you have a pool, be sure your chemicals stay locked up and out of reach of children and pets. And if you’ll be visiting a friend or neighbor’s pool, ask them where they keep their chemicals so that you can be sure to keep your dog away.
<h5><strong><strong>Know the signs of heatstroke.</strong></strong></h5>
Yes, pets can suffer heatstroke, too! The Humane Society explains that <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html"><u>signs of heatstroke</u></a> in your dog might include, heavy panting, glazed eyes, lethargy, and more. And it explains that some animals may be at higher risk than others. For example, if your pet is “very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or [has] heart or respiratory disease,” then you should keep a close eye out for signs of the above symptoms and try to keep your dog as cool and comfortable as possible in the summer heat at all times.

There’s no reason your pet can’t enjoy these last weeks of summer just as much as you do. Keep these tips in mind so that you can keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy.

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<strong>Vee Cecil</strong> has a passion for wellness. She loves studying the topic and sharing her findings on her recently-launched <a href="http://mynewwell.com/"><u>blog</u></a>. She is also a wellness coach, personal trainer, and bootcamp instructor.

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