Keeping Your Dog Safe and Mobile this Summer

1. Think Joints First – Especially for the Oldies

Even the most enthusiastic tail-wagger can feel the effects of overdoing it, particularly when challenged on uneven terrain like beaches or rocky paths. Older dogs (and active breeds) can benefit from a daily joint supplement to keep them comfortable and moving freely.

Want to support your dog’s mobility?
Try FlexSprinkle — simple, effective joint care for dogs who love to move. https://www.ace-canine.com/products/flex-sprinkle-jointcare

2. Getting In and Out: Don’t Let the Car Be a Hurdle

As dogs age, jumping in and out of a vehicle can put unnecessary strain on joints and increase the risk of injury. A simple dog ramp or step can take the pressure off their hips and knees. It’s a small change that can make a big difference and bring the fun back into walking – we’ve been through the experience lifting a soggy, heavy dog into the car after a lovely walk, a folding ramp made all the difference.

And while we're talking cars…

3. Secure Them for Safety

Dogs should always be secured during car journeys — whether in a travel crate, behind a dog guard, or using a harness and seatbelt clip. It’s not just for their safety, it’s for yours too. Sudden stops or swerves can cause injuries, especially in older dogs with weaker joints and in the event of sudden breaking stop them catapulting forward onto driver or passengers causing injury to them and you.

4. Beach Days: Know Before You Go

Planning a coastal outing? First, check if your chosen beach is dog-friendly. Many UK beaches have restrictions during summer months (often from May to September). You can usually find this info on the local council website or beach signs.

Once you’re there, keep an eye on:

• Paws on hot sand – just like pavements, it can burn.
• Eyes and ears – saltwater and sand can irritate, especially if your dog loves diving into the waves.
• Drinking seawater – tempting for some dogs, but not a good idea! Always bring plenty of fresh water.
• Tasty Yuck – there’s always things to sniff out and eat on a beach from remnants washed in, smelly and dead from the sea to left over picnic items. It will avoid the V + D on the way home.

5. Avoiding Heatstroke

It’s always worth saying: dogs don’t cope with heat like we do. They can’t sweat, and even a short walk in the midday sun can be dangerous. Opt for early mornings or late evenings, provide shade, and never leave them in a car — not even for a minute.

If your dog seems overly tired, pants excessively, or appears confused, it could be a sign of overheating. Move them to a cool space immediately and offer water.

6. Travelling to Europe with Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Planning a road trip abroad? Since Brexit, the rules for travelling from the UK to the EU with your dog have changed. Here’s what you need to have sorted well in advance:

🐾 The Essentials:

·       Microchip – Your dog must be microchipped.

·       Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – Issued by a vet within 10 days of travel. It replaces the old EU Pet Passport.

·       Rabies Vaccination – Your dog must be vaccinated and wait at least 21 days before travelling.

·       Tapeworm Treatment – Required for re-entry into the UK from certain countries (e.g., France), administered by a vet 1–5 days before return.

🧳 Top Travel Tips:

·       Plan rest stops: Dogs need regular breaks to stretch, wee, and drink — just like we do.

·       Bring familiar items: A favourite blanket, toy or bed can help them feel settled in unfamiliar places.

·       Research pet-friendly stays: Not all European hotels or campsites welcome dogs — always check ahead.

·       Language barrier: Keep your vet’s contact info and any relevant medical records handy in case of emergency.

A bit of forward planning makes all the difference when travelling with your dog — and helps you both enjoy the journey without stress.

In Summary:

Summer is made for adventures, but a little prep goes a long way. Support their joints, plan the journey, and keep them cool and comfortable so they can enjoy every sniff, splash and stretch.

If your dog struggles after exercise or is starting to show signs of stiffness, FlexSprinkle from Ace Canine is an easy win. It’s a natural joint support powder, easy to mix into food, with a huge, full fat green-lipped mussel dose, in fact 4 times stronger than most dog joint supplements, natural glucosamine and chondroitin — FlexSprinkle is designed to soothe inflammation No fuss, no tablets, just a sprinkle a day.

👉 Explore FlexSprinkle