As construction on Madison Square Park’s newly renovated Jemmy’s Dog Run begins to wind down, our excitement to unveil it to parkgoers and their four-legged friends this August continues to grow.

In the meantime, we want to ensure all the pups who visit the park are staying safe and cool in the hot summer weather. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Small Door Veterinary to bring you some summer safety tips to help your dogs beat the heat in the park.

Dehydration

• Monitor your pet, and look out for signs of dehydration. Lethargy, excessive panting, vomiting or diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and very pale or bright red gums can all be signs that your dog needs water.

• Try to limit their activity when it’s hot out so they don’t overheat. Stay in shaded areas and take frequent breaks when walking or playing.

• Ice cubes, pet ice cream, and frozen bananas or watermelon (without rinds or seeds) are all great ways to cool down your dog—that they’re also sure to enjoy.

Sun Exposure

• Dogs can get sunburns in areas where their skin is exposed or their fur is thin. During hot summer months, you may want to consider keeping your dog’s hair a bit longer to afford them more protection from the sun.

• Consider applying pet sunscreen to your dog. Human sunscreens contain zinc, which is toxic to dogs, so be sure to use a pet-safe product like My Dog Nose It or California Baby Stick.

• It is often hottest from 10 AM–4 PM, so be sure to make an effort to stay in the shade as much as possible during this time.

Hot Pavement

• Walking on hot pavement for extended periods can cause pad burns and blisters. Be sure to check your dog’s feet regularly when walking on hot days.

• To avoid issues related to walking on hot pavement, consider getting your dog some protective boots, avoiding dark asphalt that retains heat, and seeking out shady areas while walking.

Thanks again to Small Door Veterinary for lending us their expertise and providing us with these great tips for the dog days of summer! For more information about how Small Door is reimagining veterinary care, or how you can become a member, go to www.smalldoorvet.com.

(Photo Credit: Noe DeWitt)