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Summer is a great time to head outdoors with your dog and other your other pets to enjoy the recreational activities of the season. Whether it’s a game of fetch or a walk in your favorite park, the warm weather and exercise carry many benefits for your hound and you.

But when those hot, sticky and humid days of summer arrive, it’s important to take certain precautions when you’re enjoying time outside with your pet, as dogs are even more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke than we are, though their responses to heat are slightly different. Unlike humans, dogs don’t perspire. Instead, they show signs of overheating through panting. As a dog owner, it’s important to pay attention to how your dog responds to heat and avoid going outside if the heat is too intense.

The following are some extra helpful tips on how to keep your hound cool in the summertime:

Cold Comfort

Keeping your dog supplied with fresh, cool water is always a must, especially in the summer, so make sure your dog’s water bowl is always topped off. While engaging in activities away from home, bring a portable water bowl so your dog can hydrate during and after activities.

Stay in the Shade

If possible, reduce your dog’s exposure to direct sunlight by finding a shady place for your pet to play and rest. Parks and backyards with lots of trees are ideal. Also, consider taking your dog out to play in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

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Fleas and ticks have a way of latching on to our pets, causing them discomfort and putting them at risk for a host of harmful and potentially fatal illnesses.

Animals with fleas generally experience flea allergy dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin which causes itching and biting, and ultimately results in hair loss. Anemia is also associated with having fleas. Both conditions are treatable, however, some tick transmitted diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are maladies that can be fatal to your pet.

The good news is there are several ways to protect your pets from these parasites. Here are a few ways to fight the flea and tick battle:

• Equip your pet with some form of flea and tick prevention treatment, whether it’s a medicated collar, shampoo or other topical treatment. Note that springtime is the beginning of flea and tick season, so do these prevention methods at the beginning of the season to effectively stave off infestations.
• Contrary to myth, ticks do not climb trees and jump on pets. In fact, both ticks and fleas like tall grass and moist areas where they lay in waiting. Make sure your pets avoid these areas.
• Indoor pets are less likely to attract fleas and ticks, however, it’s important to check their fur regularly for infestations, especially if these pets have exposure to the outdoors or other pets exposed to the elements. If you have an outdoor pet, check their fur even more often.

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If your dog’s aggressive or defensive behavior has made you and your hound less than welcome at the local dog park or in other social settings, it may be time to consider exposing your pooch to obedience training.

Good Manners

Obedience training has many benefits, as it allows you and your dog to establish a relationship that’s based on clear communication and respect. A command-based obedience program clarifies the world for a dog by eliminating confusion on correct versus incorrect behavior. Through training, your dog can learn to be better mannered and more relaxed, which will lead to safer social situations when your dog is interacting with people or other animals.

It’s Never Too Late

Despite popular opinion, training your dog isn’t something that has to be done at the puppy stage, though it’s best to expose your dog to proper behavior as early as possible simply because it’s easier to instill good habits as opposed to having your pet unlearn bad ones.

If your dog is well into its adult years, don’t discount the positive effect of teaching your dog how to behave in social settings. Just know that it may take more time and reinforcement, and consider using a reward system that involves play time or treats when the dog exhibits good behavior.

Remember, regardless of your dog’s age, training takes time and patience, and like people, every dog learns on its own timeline.