Do you love spending summer days with your dog as much as I do?

It’s an opportunity to build our bonds with our dogs through sharing nature, hobbies, and experiences together. However, there are some things we need to do to support our dog’s well-being when they join us on our summer adventures.

Here Are 15 Essentials To Take With You On a Summer Day Out:

1. Water
2. Ice
3. Travel bowl or bottle (I like Springer travel water bottle)
4. Towel to wet for cooldowns
5. A source of shade (umbrella, tent, sail, etc)
6. Protective booties for your pup’s feet
7. Cooling gear such as cooling vests and collars.
8. A thermometer- to check if you think he’s overheating.
9. High-value treats to get his attention when necessary.
10. The right equipment such as a gentle leader or front harness to keep him from pulling you through the crowds.
11. Identification attached to a harness or collar. Never leave a collar on when your dog is left alone or playing with another dog.
12. His whole food diet if you’ll be out all day.
13. Toys to keep him happy & occupied.
14. Natural Tick repellants-see my blog on this. http://drloudon.com/pet-health/the-dilemma-of-preventing-fleas-and-ticks/
15. Tick removal tools – unscented wipes, lint remover, flea comb, tweezers

*Key tip-bring a bandana sprayed with this essential tick-repellent oil recipe:

• 8oz water
• 4oz apple cider
  vinegar
• 10 drops
  Neem oil
• 10 drops
  cat nip oil
• 5 drops of lemongrass or geranium oil
  *check out my blog about How To Use Essential Oils To Elevate Your Dog’s Well-Being

Remember to take precautions against heat stroke

• Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest hours of the day.
• Be sure your dog has access to plenty of shade and cool water.
• Do not leave your dog in the car for any period of time even on “cool” days.
• Be extra careful if your dog is brachycephalic, geriatric, obese, or has a chronic illness.
• Get your dog in shape-obesity predisposes dogs to heatstroke.
  *check out my blog about How To Protect Your Dog From Heatstroke

When temperatures rising, outdoor surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, dirt, and sand soak up the summer sun for hours and hours each day. Ground temperatures can reach well over 145° F after exposure to a full day of direct sunlight. When walking your dog feel the ground with your hand to be sure the surface is not too hot. Utilize booties to protect your dog’s feet from hot surfaces and rough terrain. A key sign that your dog’s feet are burning is shifting limb lameness or intermittently holding up his paws.

If it’s too hot outside for you then it’s too hot for your dog. Bring your dog into the air conditioning on extra hot, humid days.

Here’s to many beautiful, sun-filled days spent with your four-legged bestie this summer ❤️