Thinking about buying a new puppy? If so, you’re in luck! Summer is the perfect time of year to bring home your newest furry friend. Here are some of the top reasons why summertime is great for adding a puppy to your family.
4 Reasons to Get a Puppy in the Summer
1. More Time Together
Many people have more spare time during the summer, which means more time to spend raising and training a new puppy! If your schedule is more open in the summertime, this will give you plenty of time to focus on your puppy. From introducing your pup to new people to training and developing a feeding schedule, there are countless ways you and your new friend can spend the summer days.
2. Keep Your Children Entertained
If you have children, this is all the more reason to get a puppy in the summer. Since the kids will be on summer vacation, they'll have a lot more time to bond with your new pooch. If you’ve determined that your family is ready for the commitment, a puppy is a great way to keep your kids busy all summer long.
Plus, if your children are old enough, they can even lend a helping hand with training and housebreaking!
3. Sunshine Helps
In terms of potty training a new puppy, many dog owners agree that doing so in warmer weather is ideal. It goes without saying that you’ll need to take your pup outside for frequent potty breaks, which is likely a lot more inviting when the weather is warm.
Fall and winter present more of a challenge when it comes to potty training a puppy. No one enjoys being outside when it’s cold, rainy, or snowing, and chances are your puppy won’t either. Additionally, breeds that are more sensitive to cold temperatures will probably be much more willing to go outside during the summertime.
4. More Daylight
One of the best things about summer is the long, warm days. More daylight means that you and your family will have more time to spend outside with your puppy. It’s no secret that puppies have boundless energy, so the long summer days allow for plenty of time for walking, playing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Puppy Summer Safety Tips
While summer is undoubtedly a great time to add a puppy to your family, there are still some things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your puppy safe.
Keep Your Puppy Hydrated
During the hot summer months, your little pup has a much higher chance of becoming dehydrated while playing outdoors. The combination of their low body mass and the temperature outside makes it much easier for your dog to become dehydrated. That said, it’s important to take note of the symptoms of dehydration:
- Heavy panting
- Thick saliva
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Dry nose
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Low energy levels and lethargy
If your puppy starts to exhibit any of these symptoms, be sure to take them to the vet right away.
Be Mindful of Paws
During puppyhood, a dog’s paw pads are more delicate and sensitive, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on what your puppy is stepping on during the summer. One of the most important things to be mindful of is hot surfaces, especially concrete and asphalt.
Before taking your puppy onto a paved or cement surface, make sure it’s not too hot for their paws by placing your hand on the ground for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your puppy’s paws, too. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep your pup off the pavement in the middle of the day and limit walking hours to the morning and late evening.
Never Leave Your Puppy in the Car
Hopefully, this goes without saying, but you should never leave your puppy in the car during the summer. You may think leaving your pet in the car with the windows cracked for a few minutes is no big deal, but it can take less than 10 minutes for your puppy to overheat inside a hot car. Not only is it extremely dangerous, but leaving your pet inside a hot car is actually illegal in many states.
As long as you’re well-prepared and ready for the commitment, summer is a wonderful time to get a puppy. Find the newest addition to your family on Lancaster Puppies today!