Summer doesn’t officially begin until December, but many places have already seen spring temperature highs looking more like summer temperatures. Are you ready for the heat when it comes to your adorable pooch? Here’s a great summer checklist of things to do to keep your dog happy and healthy as the temperatures rise.
- Never leave your dog in the car.
Notice the period placed after car. There are no exceptions like “unless your car is in the shade” or “unless you crack the windows.” Even on a lovely 32°C day, your vehicle will reach 50°C inside in just 5 minutes. And here's the kicker: a study by Stanford University states even cracking a window does not help the temperature inside.
- Exercise with your dog on cooler hours of the day.
Remember when it is hot and you are out with your dog exercising, your dog is wearing a fur coat. Preferred times to take your dog out would be early morning or later in the evening.
- Closely related to item number 2, stay away from hot asphalt during peak heat times.
Dogs paw pads are thick, but they can get burned. At 25°C, the asphalt reaches temperatures as high as 52°C. When it’s 30°C outside, asphalt temperatures get as hot as 62°C. If you notice your dog’s paw pads are blistered or peeling, consider they may be spending too much time on asphalt or concrete and it’s burning their feet.
- Keep cold water and shade available outside.
A dog’s normal body temperature is around 40°C. If their temperature rises just slightly to 42 degrees or more, illness begins to set in. Multi-organ failure and death is known to happen when their temperature rises from 43° – 46°. So keep your pets cool as possible when they are outside.
- If your dog has a long coat, now is the time for a trim.
This will help keep your dog’s body temperature down. And they will enjoy being outdoors more if they didn’t have hair to weight them down! For those on the opposite side of the spectrum with less hair, you may want to consider applying sunscreen on the backs of your dogs if it’s bare. Yes, dogs can get sunburned too.
- Be sure to keep flea and tick treatments going as scheduled.
You know the drill: bugs of all sorts are starting to come out full force to invade our lives, including the dreaded dog enemies of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. This is the time to be sure your fur-baby doesn’t miss a treatment. Be sure you have what you need from your local veterinarian. Also double-check that you have posted when the next treatment time is on your calendars, including reminders, so you do not forget. Fleas and ticks are easier to prevent than to eradicate.
- Summer can flare up or mask the signs of arthritis.
Just as humans suffer during summer months with the joint disease of arthritis, dogs can too. Arthritis is different for each person, just as it is for dogs. Some people may ache more in the summer due to the hotter temperatures, and some may ache more in the winter due to the colder temperatures. Unfortunately dogs cannot tell us when they hurt. Try Glyde Mobility Chews for better joint health and arthritis relief year round for long-term results. If you are not sure if your dog could have arthritis, take this quiz to find out more.
There is still a month before reaching typical summer temperatures. Just think ahead and be sure to protect your dog as they begin to change. So often, our climate goes from moderate to hot very quickly and we are caught off guard. Just like you after winter, your pet is ready to get outside. Be sure to keep your beloved pet’s health in mind as you watch the temperatures and continue to enjoy the beautiful weather that is Australia!
