• Obviously, heat is a major hazard for dogs. Their only cooling system is panting and wet noses, so dogs are not very good at regulating their own body temperature. It’s important we help them out and take steps to keep them cool in summer.
• Dogs need shelter from the sun and access to clean water at all times. Dogs can perish from exposure in their own backyard if they don’t have adequate shade and water.
• Don’t leave dogs in the car in summer, even for a few minutes. It can be fatal for the dog in approx. 6 minutes depending on the temperature.
• Groom dogs that need grooming so they are as comfortable and cool as possible.
• Try to only walk early in the day and in the evening. I find about 3pm is the hottest part of the day in Nelson / Tasman.
• Aim for shady walking spots and opportunities to swim. Avoid walking on hot pavements.
• Dogs with white or thinner coats need to wear sun protection to avoid sunburn.
• Carry water for your dog to drink.

• Be aware of extra hazards in your walking areas, here are some:
  • Blue bottle jellies at the beach. They lurk at the high tide line and their high season is from now until after Xmas. They are already littered along Kina Beach and to a lesser extent Ruby Bay. They can make a dog really sick if they ingest.
  • Potential toxic algae in the river (so far this year none reported by TDC, NCC have cautioned about the Wai-iti River). Toxic algae usually blooms to toxic levels after long hot periods. Keep an eye on the rocks at any rivers you go to with your dog. Toxic algae is black & slimy and coats the rocks in the river. It reaches toxic levels when it blooms and starts detaching from the rocks and floating around. It’s especially dangerous for dogs and can be fatal.
  • Wasp nests in native forests. They can be aggressive if disturbed accidentally by dogs or humans. My dog walkers have reported wasp stings in some native forest walks in Motueka like the bush walk on the hill to Marahau. We always report them so they can be removed.
  • Stingrays are at some beaches. There were 2 recent incidents involving dogs and stingrays at local beaches last summer. Dogs probably don’t see the rays bathing in the water and disturb them unwittingly. Rays have been spotted this year already at Rough Island and Kina Beach. Keep dogs closer and out of the shallow waters in known ray hang out spots.
• Watch out for ticks and check your dogs regularly after a walk. Known tick areas in Nelson are Boulder Bank, Wakapuaka Cemetery. In Tasman ticks are known to be at Rough Island. Know it anywhere else?
• Barley grass can be super dangerous for dogs. The ear of the grass is sharp and can get lodged in nails and eyes. Avoid walking areas with lots of Barley grass and check your dog after walks.
• Be aware that rules can change in summertime when it comes to dogs on beaches. There are more restrictions in place so make sure you know what the rules are for your walking spots.
• Can you think of any more summer hazards we should be aware of?

• The holidays are coming. Woo hoo! Time to refresh your obedience training with your dog so you are ready to navigate life with visitors etc. Focus on placement training or as we like to call it “stations” training so you have better control. Even just a few minutes practice here and there before Xmas will make a big difference.
• Stock up on puzzle toy fillers and other chew items. They will keep your dog entertained when you are busy with other things.
• Have sensible practices at home with all the festive goodies that are unfortunately toxic to dogs… chocolate, Christmas cake and cooked ham are really not good for dogs and if they eat too much of any of them it will mean a pricey trip to the vet. Make sure any visitors to your home understand this too.

Summer is a fabulous time to hang out with your dog, go swimming and enjoy some time off together. Make the most of it by giving some thought to how you can keep your dog safe, comfortable and out of mischief this silly season 🤪 🐶 🎄