All across the country, trails and hiking paths are reopening for the summer months, and that means getting out in nature with your doggos! It can also mean some extra things your furry best friend might be getting into while heading out into the world from their doggie door. While we, of course, encourage compliance with all mandated social distancing measures (be sure to check for revised parameters from your local authorities), we also want to pass along some safety tips for our four-legged family members from some respected experts:

1) DROOL IS ADORABLE, BUT IT'S A BAD SIGN
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! "Dogs can’t sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place." - Cesar Millan

2) CHECKUP FOR SUMMER SNIFFLES
The summer brings specific types of illnesses that require a vet's care. "Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication." - ASPCA

3) BEWARE OF THE BURR

Sharp burrs, even little ones, can cause serious wounds if left unattended. "Burrs don't just get stuck in your pet’s fur, they can actually pierce their skin. They can have the most severe affect on a dog's eyes, ears or nose, or between its toes. Signs of damaging burrs may include a swollen or half-closed eye, sneezing without apparent reason, licking paws exaggeratedly, or uncharacteristic head shaking" - MyAnimals

4) PROTECTION FOR PAW PAD

If you walk or hike on paved paths or asphalt, be wary that the heat of those surfaces can burn your pets' paws. Dog shoes and socks are highly effective and stylish!

If your dog has burnt paws, they "will show signs of discomfort by holding up a foot, limping, or vocalizing when walking. The burns will be visible to the naked eye, and in severe cases, a black paw pad can turn red when it is burned." - Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky of the Animal Veterinary Hospital of Orlando