If you are trying to think of the most enjoyable season for dogs and their owners is probably summer.Long warm days give way to mild evenings with long daylight hours, making the perfect conditions for walking.What could be better than a brisk morning walk or gentle evening stroll with your dog?The fresh air and exercise is good for your health and your dog will love you for accompanying him on his daily walk. But don’t forget that with summer comes new, unwelcome dangers to your dog.

BBQs

Everyone looks a good babrbeque. It is common that when you are outside cooking your dog will be enjoying the garden with you.But did you realise that having your dog around a BBQ can be very dangerous.Your dog may not understand that the BBQ is hot until it’s too late. If your dog is lively and enjoys running around it could quite easily bump into the BBQ unit. Plus, human food cooked on a BBQ is not actually very healthy for a dog.Dogs don’t mind begging for more, so offering him one sausage will only mean he expects another.This type of human food offer no nutritional value and will lead to your dog continuously asking for food from your plate.Just make sure he has a full bowl of his favourite dog food close at hand – that should help to keep him happy. Plus, your dog could end up choking on small bones if you offer it chicken wings or drumsticks.

Fresh Water

Water is an essential part of your dog’s daily nutritional routine.To avoid dehydration during the hot months of summer you need to make sure you are providing water.Make sure that you offer a bowl full of clean, fresh water with every bowl of food and when you are out and about take a bottle of water and a bowl with you.He will benefit from regular drinks and will certainly be thankful that you are quenching his thirst!

Hot Cars

Do not be tempted to leave your dog in a locked car for more than a few minutes, especially during summer.The inside of the car can rapidly overheat, causing dehydration and even death.

Sunscreen

Just like us, dogs can suffer from sunburn.If you know your dog is going to be out in direct sunlight for a prolonged period you need to invest in some dog friendly sunscreen. Be awre that it is the areas of the body with little fur coverage that are at greatest risk of sun burn, so pay attention to the nose, ears and paws in particular.