There's no reason your dog can't stay happy and safe all summer long. Here are some tips to help you both cope.

Identification
You're both likely to be outside more and may be traveling to strange places. Does your dog have a microchip or a tattoo or at least a collar with your name and phone number on it?

No one expects to lose their dog but it happens to thousands of owners each year. Increase the chances of being reunited with your canine companion back by ensuring he has identification. And, if you have a microchip, make sure your service has your current contact information.

Temporary Placement
Start looking NOW for a pet sitter, kennel or boarding facility if you're going to be on vacation this summer without your dog. Commercial facilities and pet sitters get booked quickly. Don't wait any longer to start looking for a place.

At the same time, get all his medical records in order. Commercial boarding places will want to know he's had his shots and is dewormed. If you have pet insurance, be sure to provide the care givers with the information they need in case your dog gets ill.

Fleas And Ticks
Protect your dog from both these menaces with regular medication. I use Frontline on my dog but other owners like Revolution or Kiltix. Ask your vet for a recommendation. You can buy medication from the vet or get it through an Internet pet pharmacy. It's much, much, much easier and better for your dog to prevent fleas and ticks than try to treat them once your dog has been infected.

Protect Him From Cables
Those electric cords of mowers, trimmers, and other gardening tools can easily tempt a dog who loves to chew. Keep your dog indoors or contained in a safe area (such as crate) when you're working outdoors.

Protect Him From The Grill
Don't let your dog run lose around a barbecue grill. He could bump into it and be severely burned by falling ashes or hot scraps of food. NEVER give him meat hot off the grill. Let it cool a bit. After you clean your grill, keep the hot ashes in a place he can't reach while you're letting them cool.

Keep Him Away From The Plants
It's a good idea to use organic yard and garden products for your dog's sake as well as the environment's. At a minimum, keep products out of his reach and keep him away from the garden or lawn while they're being treated with any chemicals. While you're outside and he's inside, also check your fence for holes that he could crawl out.

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