Leaving your dog in the car isn't the only safety hazard that summer weather introduces. The intense heat of summer can bring about a number of other safety and health risks for your pet. Make sure you are familiar with these risks so that you can keep your furry friend safe all season long.

Keep Your Garage And Driveway Clean

Regularly clean your garage and driveway. As you operate your car's air conditioner, it's not uncommon for antifreeze to leak out onto the ground below. The sweetness of the antifreeze is attractive to animals, enticing them to lap it up. Antifreeze isn't candy, but instead a toxic chemical blend that can make your dog very ill or possibly lead to death. If you notice your vehicle is leaking antifreeze, have it serviced, but in the meantime clean up any puddles.

Don't Forget Sunscreen

When the average person thinks about sunscreen, dogs don't necessarily come to mind. However, some breeds do benefit from this extra protection, such as dogs with pink skin or that have short fine hair. Dogs that fit in these categories are at an increased risk for sunburn. Don't reach for your sunscreen. Make sure you are choosing a blend that has been designed especially for use with animals and try to choose an option with built-in insect repellent.

Amp Up Bug Protection Efforts

Summer creates thriving conditions for insects like ticks and fleas. Be extra diligent when it comes to insect protection. In addition to making your dog uncomfortable, exposure to certain insects also causes diseases. In addition to repellent, take extra steps to keep bugs away. One great idea is to keep your grass as low as possible. Higher grass creates a cool hiding place for insects. The lower your grass, the less comfortable the space, causing them to flee.

Treat Your Pet Just Like You

If you're outside and the heat is so intense that you feel lightheaded or lethargic, chances are the heat is just as intense for your pet. Yes, animals do have higher tolerance levels than humans when it comes to temperature variations, but this doesn't mean they are invincible. On days with extremely high temperatures, schedule your dog's outdoor time in the early morning or evening and make sure they have access to cool, clean water whenever they are outside.

You make sure you take certain safety precautions during the summer for yourself. It's equally important to have this same attitude when it comes to your dog. Make sure you are making an effort to keep your dog safe all summer long. Click here to learn more about animal care.