Summer tips for dogs

This is how you ensure that your dog thrives in the hot summer weather

Summer is a fantastic time filled with sun, heat and outdoor activities, but it also brings a number of challenges for you and your dog. To ensure that your dog is comfortable throughout the summer, it is important to be aware of heat and other summer-related problems. Here are some tips to keep your dog healthy, safe and happy in the summer heat.

1. Prevention of overheating

  • Keep an eye on the temperature : Avoid going for walks during the hottest hours of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for walks.

  • Provide access to fresh water : Make sure your dog always has access to cold water to stay hydrated.

  • Create cool resting places : Use cooling mats and provide shaded areas where your dog can relax and cool down.

2. Protect the paws from heat

  • Avoid hot surfaces : Hot asphalt and sand can burn the dog's paws. Go for walks on grass or other cooler surfaces. If you are going to bring your dog with you, you can consider using a dog bag .

  • Check paws regularly : After walks, check your dog's paws for signs of damage or irritation from hot surfaces.

3. Ticks, parasites and insect protection

  • Use tick protection : Use tick protection products such as collars, drops or sprays to protect your dog from ticks, which are often more prevalent during the summer period.

  • Check for parasites : After outdoor activities, check your dog thoroughly for ticks and other parasites, especially around the ears, neck and groin, where they can hide.

  • Mosquitoes and insects : Protect your dog from mosquitoes and other annoying insects by using insect repellent products and avoiding wooded areas during mosquito season. Watch for signs of insect bites or stings, such as itching, swelling or redness. Treat immediately to prevent further irritation.

4. Allergies and skin care

  • Manage allergies : Summer brings with it pollen, grass and other allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in your dog. If your dog suffers from allergies, it may be necessary to adjust its diet or use antihistamines on the advice of the vet.

  • Protect against sunburn : Although dogs rarely get sunburned, especially dogs with light fur and exposed areas such as the muzzle, ears and belly can be particularly vulnerable. Consider using sun protection products designed specifically for dogs.

5. Be aware of health issues

  • Vaccinations and check-ups : Make sure your dog has had all his vaccinations and has had regular health checks. Summer can increase the risk of certain diseases and parasites.

  • Watch out for algae and firefighters: During the summer months, algae can multiply and accumulate in large quantities, which can be dangerous if the dog bathes or drinks from the water in lakes or the sea. Additionally, fireflies can also be a problem in coastal areas as they can cause painful stings to your dog. Be sure to check the water quality and keep an eye out for firefighters before letting your dog jump in the water.

6. Hydration and nutrition

  • Healthy diet : Make sure your dog gets a balanced diet that supports its activity level and overall health. Also be aware that some dogs may tend to eat less during hot periods, so make sure they get the right nutrition and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Healthy snack : Offer cold or frozen treats as a fun and refreshing way to keep your dog hydrated and cool in the summer heat.

7. Prepare summer activities

  • Plan activities : Even if it's hot, outdoor activities like swimming or light exercise can be planned to keep your dog active and stimulated, but make sure to adapt them to the weather.

  • Watch out for overexertion : Watch for signs of overexertion, such as excessive breathing or fatigue, and give your dog time to recover.

Is your dog ready for summer?

If you plan to take your dog to cafés or hotels in Copenhagen during the summer period, you can read our blog posts about cafés in Copenhagen here and hotels in Copenhagen here .

Really good summer!