With the arrival of summer also comes the arrival of hotter temperatures. As great as they may be for the beach, they aren’t as fun for out beloved pets. In fact, dogs can easily get overheated in the sun due to their heavy coats. Some easy indicators include panting and fatigue. To help keep your furry companion cool during this summer, follow these steps to help them enjoy the new warm weather as much as you do!
1. Give you dog plenty of water. Since dogs can get rather picky if their water bowls have a strange scent or if it’s warm, try to keep your dog’s bowl constantly fresh and cold for their enjoyment. Especially if you have a younger dog that drinks more, keeping them hydrated is the first step toward keeping them safe this summer.
2. Walk on grass rather than surfaces that can heat up. Your dog’s paws are more sensitive than you think. Instead of walking on asphalt which can heat up fast and deliver a burn on your pup’s paws, instead go for grassy areas that your dog will receive more comfort on. If you can’t find any grassy areas around your neighborhood, you can always buy you dog booties to prevent any overheating or burns that may permanently damage their paws.
3. When you’re outside, keep your pets in the shade. Keeping your canine outside in the sun can lead to heatstroke, so make sure they are in a cool area out of direct sunlight.
4. Do not go out for a walk if the temperature is above 85 degrees. This kind of extreme heat can quickly leave your dog dehydrated. Even though that temperature may not be bothersome to you, your dog may not feel the same.
5. Take your walks during the cooler times of day. This includes early morning and during the evenings. This way, you can prevent your dog from being outside during the hottest hours of the day and reduce their risk of overheating.
6. Always bring cold, fresh water with you every time you go outside with your dog.
7. Make sure you do not over exercise your dog. Your pup may not know their own limits, so it is up to you to determine when playtime is over. If your dog is panting heavily or looks tired, try to get him to cool down.
8. Learn about the signs of dehydration and heat stress. Some symptoms to look out for are panting, dry gums or bright red gums, vomiting, thick drool, diarrhea, and wobbly legs. If your dog starts showing these symptoms, move them to a cool place immediately. Place a cool, wet towel on their back and make sure it stays cool. You should also take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you can to ensure there are no signs of further damage.
9. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Even on a 75-degree day, temperatures inside a car can spike to 115 degrees in less than an hour. Even if the windows are down, your pup could easily overheat when left in these conditions. If you have to go out, leave your dog at home, drop him off at a friends house, or hire a pet sitter to come check on him.
10. Fill a kiddie pool with cool water and let your dog stand in it. Dogs have sweat glands in the pads of their paws. Standing in cool water can be a quick and easy way to lower their body temperature and keep them safe and cool. You can also splash a little of the water on their chest. Just make sure you use cool water, not ice. Ice or ice cold water can lower your dog’s body temperature too quickly and cause their blood flow to constrict. This can actually prevent their body from cooling down.
11. Set up a sprinkler. Just like a child might, your dog way love jumping and playing in a sprinkler. This provides them a steady supply of cool running water. Before you leave them to play, see how they react to the sprinkler first. Some dogs take to the motion more so than others.
12. Give your dog a refreshing bath, no soap required. Use your garden hose to wet dog your dog. You can also wipe them down with a cool, wet towel. The water will evaporate off their fur and have a cooling effect. Do not ever use ice or ice cold water, instead just use cool water. Be extra careful when dealing with a dog who is overheating or very hot.
13. Purchase a cooling vest. This is similar to a full body harness for your dog, but it has cold packs built into the sides. This will keep your dog cool and comfy, even on the hottest of days.
14. Get your dog groomed. A good haircut can make a world of difference for your dog. Talk to your groomer or vet to determine the best cut for your pet. Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, a full shave for him may not be a good idea and can even be dangerous.
15. Use sunscreen on your dog’s skin and coat. Even though dogs are furry, their skin is still susceptible to burns and UV damage. Purchase a dog-safe sunblock and coat their fur and skin when going outside on sunny days. This is especially important for dogs with white coats and lighter skin.
16. Keep an eye on your dog when you are near water. When visiting the beach, lake, or any body of water with your dog, make sure you pay extra attention to them. Try to look for water-based hazards like currents, blue-green algae, and sink holes. You may also want to purchase a life vest for your dog, especially if you plan on riding any boats with your pup.
17. Watch out for loud summertime noises. If you live in an area where fireworks or thunderstorms are common during the summer months, you should pay extra attention to your dog. Loud noises like these can cause anxiety in a lot of dogs. Talk to your vet about what you can do to help quell your dog’s anxiety. You could also arrange for your dog to stay at a friend’s house far away when you know these triggers are going to occur.
