We love spending time with our canine companions, but we have to look out for them in the summer heat, especially if they are active outdoors. Check out our summer safety tips for your active dog: 

Keep your pet hydrated

Pets get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, especially in the summer. Make sure your dog has a shady place to get out of the sun, don’t over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.  Pro tip: Keep plenty of water and a packable water bowl for your dog with you when you go on trips, hiking, or on walks.  Then, your pup can have a drink of water no matter where you are.

Know the symptoms of overheating

Overheated pets may pant excessively, have difficulty breathing, drool, seem weak, or confused, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Other symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cooler location, place a cool, wet cloth, or a chilly neckband on your dog’s neck. Offer your dog cool water, and call your veterinarian. If your dog collapses, take him immediately to your vet.

Never leave your dog in a hot car

Even if you think you will only be “gone for a minute,” don’t do it. For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

 

Adjust activity intensity on hot days

Adjust the intensity and duration of exercise on particularly hot or humid days. Try to schedule hikes and walks during the early morning or evening hours. Also, remember that asphalt can burn the bottoms of your dog’s paws. Stick to dirt and grass trails during the summer.

Keep cool treats in the freezer

Treat-dispensing rubber throw toys have long been one of the best ways to keep dogs entertained and happy. For a cool treat, try filling your pup’s toy with peanut butter and freezing it.  Not only are these treats that’ll entertain for hours, but you can also prepare them ahead of time. The American Kennel Club has some suggestions for DIY frozen dog treats.

The most important thing to do as a pet owner is to be aware of your dog. Make sure your pet is comfortable, isn’t showing signs of distress or discomfort, and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly. Take care of your best friend, so he or she will be able to share your love of the outdoors for a long time!

Trying to keep cool this summer? We can help. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

 

 

Summer is here, which means music festival season is right around the corner! From July 14th to 15th, Birmingham will once again trek out to enjoy the Sloss Music and Arts Festival at Sloss Furnaces. We’ve put together a list of ten essentials to help you stay cool and look cool through two days of music in the great outdoors.

Empty Reusable Water Bottle:

While outside food and drink are prohibited, we encourage all festival goers to bring an empty reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key to an enjoyable festival experience. For the ultimate in festival-friendly hydration, try the lightweight and ultra-portable Que Collapsible Water Bottle.

Day Pack:

The festival has strict rules on bag size. However, most bags under 12 x 6 x 12 will be allowed in. Find a lightweight day pack or fanny pack with comfortable straps to carry your festival essentials.

Point and Shoot Camera:

Be sure to pack your point-and-shoot cameras, disposable cameras or phones. No GoPros, recording devices or cameras with detachable lenses will be allowed in.

Sunscreen:

There is nothing worse than getting a nasty sunburn on the first day of a festival. Be sure to wear at least 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply. We love Sun Bum’s sheer and weightless Face Lotion Sunscreen and SPF 30 Lip Balm (we’re bananas for the banana flavor!). 

Blanket or Towel to Sit On: 

Take a load off and enjoy the music from the grass. Bringing a light towel, blanket or beach mat to get off your feet and relax during your festival experience. We love ENO’s Islander LED Blanket — it’s trimmed with LED lights, so you’ll never lose sight of your spot again! For the ultimate in festival relaxation, come hang out with us in The Outdoors Eno Hammock World! 

Sunglasses:

Protect your eyes! Sunny days spent entirely outside can be super hard on your eyes. Invest in a protective and stylish pair of sunnies to top off your festival outfit. If you’re looking for a sweet pair of aviators, these Serpico sunnies come with polarized lenses that also repel water, grease and dirt.

Hat or Bandana:

Stay cool and comfortable with a hat or bandana. This essential will keep moisture and sun off your face. Or you could try the versatile UV Buff, which can be worn in twelve ways. Not only is it super stylish, it’s super good at blocking UV rays and odors.

Portable Phone Charger:

We all know how important a fully charged phone is at a festival. Pick up a fully charged portable battery to charge your phone on the go. At the very least, bring a phone charger to recharge your phone at a charging station.

Comfy Shoes: 

Comfortable footwear is a definite essential for an enjoyable festival experience. When it comes to comfy and supportive summer footwear, you can’t do better than Teva. They’re durable and washable, too — two must-have qualities for outdoor festival footwear!

Good Company:

Of course, the best way to enjoy any festival is with people you love. Good people means good vibes and a great time. Want a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets and a stay at the Westin? You’ve got until July 11th to enter our online giveaway.

Have a safe weekend and enjoy these amazing artists! And should you forget something, don’t worry! We’ll be there along with Teva, Smith, The North Face, and Eno to help you out!

 

Text by Amy Haupt