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Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

Dog of the Day: Nacho!

Meme of the day: Astonished at the cuteness!

How to Prep Your Pup For Summer

The unofficial start of summer has already passed, and many of us are looking forward to days filled with sunshine, barbecues, and outdoor adventures. And who better to share those good times with than our beloved canine companions? But just like we adjust our routines for the warmer months, it's essential to prepare our dogs for the unique challenges and opportunities summer brings.

Here's how to ensure your furry friend has a safe, happy, and tail-waggingly good summer:

Beat the Heat: Hydration and Temperature Control are Key

Dogs don't sweat like humans do; they primarily cool themselves through panting. This makes them more susceptible to overheating.

• Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Always have fresh, cool water readily available. If you're out and about, carry a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your dog. Consider adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl at home.

• Shade is Your Friend: When outdoors, ensure your dog has access to ample shade. This is especially crucial during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

• Limit Mid-Day Walks: Adjust your walking schedule to early mornings and late evenings when temperatures are cooler. Pavement and asphalt can get scorching hot and burn your dog's paw pads. If it's too hot for your bare hand, it's too hot for their paws!

• Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: This cannot be stressed enough. Even on a seemingly mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket to dangerous levels in minutes, leading to heatstroke and even death.

Grooming for the Season: Shedding and Skin Health

Summer often brings increased shedding, but regular grooming can help.

• Brushing is Essential: Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, reduces matting, and improves air circulation to their skin, which can help keep them cooler.

• To Shave or Not to Shave? For many breeds, shaving their fur is not recommended. A dog's double coat acts as insulation, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer by trapping air. Shaving can disrupt this natural cooling system and expose their skin to sunburn. Consult your vet or a professional groomer if you're considering a summer haircut.

• Paw Protection: Regularly check your dog's paw pads for cracks, cuts, or blisters, especially if they're active outdoors. Consider paw balms to keep them moisturized and protected.

Parasite Patrol: Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes

Warmer weather means an increase in pesky parasites.

• Stay Up-to-Date on Preventatives: Ensure your dog is on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication as recommended by your veterinarian.

• Post-Adventure Checks: After walking in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check your dog for ticks. Pay close attention to their ears, armpits, and between their toes.

• Mosquito Awareness: While heartworm preventatives protect against the disease spread by mosquitoes, try to limit your dog's exposure to mosquito-heavy areas, especially during dawn and dusk.

Summer Activities: Fun and Safety in Equal Measure

Summer opens up a world of fun activities for you and your dog!

• Swimming Safely: Many dogs love to swim, but not all are natural swimmers. Introduce them to water gradually and always supervise them. Consider a dog-specific life vest, especially for boating or if your dog isn't a strong swimmer. Rinse their coat thoroughly after swimming in chlorine or saltwater.

• Hiking Adventures: If you're hitting the trails, choose routes with plenty of shade and water sources. Be mindful of your dog's fitness level and avoid overexertion. Always check for ticks after a hike.

• Backyard Bliss: Even in your own backyard, ensure there are shaded areas and fresh water. Supervise them during outdoor playtime.

By taking a few proactive steps, you can ensure your dog enjoys a summer filled with fun, comfort, and most importantly, safety. So, grab that water bowl, leash, and a handful of treats, and get ready to make some wonderful summer memories with your best furry friend!

Daily Superfood Support for Aging, Medium-to-Large Dogs

You invest in your own wellness—why not your dog’s?

Designed for medium-to-large dogs, POP-Topper is a science-backed, premium daily supplement developed by animal health researchers in New Zealand.

Each single-serve sachet delivers clean, targeted support with human-grade superfoods like green-lipped mussels (for omega-3s), bilberry (for antioxidants), beef bone broth (for collagen), and kiwi (for vitamin C). No fillers. No additives. Just results.

Especially if your dog’s on kibble and curious about fresh food, POP-Topper fits seamlessly into your routine—and helps support long-term joint, immune, and brain health.

Try POP-Topper—$49/Month (30 servings)

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

Family Photo of the Day:

Spike!

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Dog of the day: IG nacho_the_beagle

Meme of the day: IG memez4dayz