Summertime Guide and Reminders
Hot Pavement
It is important to check how hot the pavement is before walking the dog on it. With sun, darker surface temperatures can reach double outside temps! If you utilize enclosed tennis courts for exercising the dog, please keep in mind that this surface can also get very hot. Follow these guidelines to determine safe use:
- Use the back of your hand and hold it on the pavement.
- Count to 7.
- If you can hold the back of your hand on the pavement, it is safe for the dog.
- If you cannot hold your hand on the pavement, it is too hot and you should use an alternative route if possible and avoid long duration on the pavement.
- Alternative routes include:
- Grass, rocks or other landscape
- A spot close to the building you are entering
- Concrete, if possible, versus asphalt
- Avoid taking the dog on pavement during the midday heat of the sun. Morning or evening are the better times for walks.
- Musher’s Secret can be used to help protect the dog’s paw pads from injury.
Water Ingestion, Intake and Bloat
During summer fun with sprinklers, kiddie pools, lakes and large pools, dogs may ingest large amounts of water, which can be dangerous to their bodies.Too much water intake can lead to water intoxication or bloat. Be sure to monitor the dog’s water ingestion during these activities and give them breaks as needed.
Though too much water can be dangerous, it’s still important to keep the dog hydrated during the warm months. Provide small amounts of clean, fresh water during and after exercise. Follow the Water Intake Guide for a good rule of thumb for water intake. Some dogs are able to self-limit water intake on their own, while others may need help regulating their intake. If you have questions about the dog’s water intake, reach out to puppyprogram@candocanines.org.
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke occurs when the dog is in the heat and sun for too long and becomes overheated at a dangerously high body temperature. If the temperature is above 90 degrees, time outside and vigorous exercise and activity should be very limited. It is okay for the dog to stay home while you are doing activities. Click here to familiarize yourself with a dog’s normal vital signs.
Signs of Heat Stroke include:
- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Lethargic
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Coma
If the dog is showing any of these signs, it is an emergency. Follow these steps:
- Remove the dog from the hot area immediately.
- Call Can Do Canines at 763-331-3000 right away. For after hours, press 3 to reach the emergency line.
Cabins
If the cabin is in Minnesota or Wisconsin, this may be allowed. Please contact Puppy Program at puppyprogram@candocanines.org beforehand with the location of the cabin and the closest emergency veterinarian in order to gain approval to take the dog to the cabin. Remember, all the same household rules apply at the cabin.
Swimming and Boats
Swimming:
Swimming is great exercise for dogs.
Guidelines:
- Use a long line if you take the dog swimming at a lake.
- The dog should not be wearing its cape while swimming or dipping their feet in the water.
- If you have access to a personal pool, the dog is allowed to swim in it, but must be on a long line if the yard is not fenced.
- Program dogs are not allowed in public pools or splash pads.
- Be mindful that the body of water is safe!
- Make sure there are no scum or algae or notices posted advising against swimming.
- Blue-green algae is a big concern in lakes across Minnesota. It can be fatal to dogs. Click here for more information and review the images below for assistance identifying blue-green algae.
- Take breaks during swim sessions to let the dog recover.
- Do not let the dog consume water while swimming.
- Provide clean, fresh water for the dog to drink.
- Program dogs should not jump into the water off docks.
- Make sure to thoroughly towel dry the dog after swimming to prevent hot spots.
Boats:
Program dogs are allowed to ride in boats. Our vehicle safety rules apply:
- Make sure the dog is secured via a tether.
- Do not allow dogs on the seats of the boat.
- Do not allow the dog to jump from the boat at any time.
Eating Inappropriate Objects
Now that you may be spending more time outside and as things bloom and grow, there is more opportunity for a dog to eat objects they are not supposed to. These objects include, but are not limited to:
- Grass
- Rocks
- Mulch
- Sticks
- Wildlife poop
If the dog is continually eating inappropriate objects, you can use auto leave-it training with that object. For more information or questions, reach out to puppyprogram@candocanines.org.
Bug Bites
Those pesky bugs! Summertime brings bugs, and just like humans, dogs can get bug bites. These are often from gnats or biting flies. They normally take a few days to go away. If the spots seem to get worse, or last more than a few days, reach out to puppyprogram@candocanines.org.
Flea/Tick and Heartworm Preventative
Here at Can Do Canines, we give all our dogs flea and tick and heartworm preventatives on the first day of every month. Tick populations are reported to be at an all-time high this year, and it is very important that the dogs are getting these medications. With that, make sure to do frequent body checks for lumps, bumps, bug bites and ticks. You can pick up preventatives at in-person classes/outings or by appointment by submitting a supply request here.
Check for ticks every day, even though the dogs are on preventatives. The underbelly, armpits and ears are great places to look - but those little pests could be anywhere.
Fireworks
Can Do Canine dogs are not allowed near any fireworks of any kind (firecrackers, poppers, sparklers, etc.). Please keep all program dogs at home for all firework activities. The fireworks are simply too loud for sensitive dog ears.
Recommendations:
| Have a Nylabone around for them to chew | Have ready some pre-stuffed frozen Kongs |
| Have treats near you to reward hearing the BOOM | Close the curtains and turn on a TV or radio |
| ID tags should be attached to the dog's collar and make sure the collar is not too loose. | When taking the dog outside to go potty during fireworks, keep on leash, even in a fenced in yard |
| Offer some comfort by letting them lay down by you, giving them a few pats, etc. | You may need to kennel them if it helps them feel more secure |
All Day Excursions, Zoos, and Dog Parks
Please refrain from taking the service dog in training to any of these events or places. They are often unsafe, too loud and too crowded for the dogs to handle. These events cause stress in the dogs and last too long for the dogs to be successful.
| Parades | Carnivals |
| Weddings and Large Gatherings | Amusement Parks |
| Fairs and Festivals | Zoos |
| Concerts | Dog Parks |
Arena Sports and Events
Any program dog under the age of 15 months should not attend one of these events. If the dog is older than 15 months, use your discretion when deciding to take the dog.
Ask yourself:
- Would the dog be successful (good loose leash walking and focus) in this environment?
- Would you be able to put your full focus on the dog?
- Would you be willing to leave if the dog is struggling and not being successful?
Refer to the Outing Guide for further information.
Arena sports include, but are not limited to, minor- and major-league sports, such as:
| Baseball | Soccer |
| Basketball | Hockey |
| Football | Lacrosse |
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