Summer is in full swing and some parts of the states are experiencing extremely hot temperatures. This means you need to plan accordingly when taking your dog outside. Keeping your dog happy and safe during the summer is important. We have the tips you need to know to get through the Dog Days of Summer!
Dog parents’ biggest fear is having their pet suffer from heatstroke when they just had a good time at the beach, hiking outside, or just hanging out in the backyard. Here are some of the signs to watch for if you think your pet is experiencing heatstroke:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Weakness, collapsing when trying to walk or stand
- Glassy eyes
- High heart rate
But fear not, the following three tips and details are effective ways of keeping your pet safe from the sizzling heat of the summer months.
Staying Cool
Panting is the dog’s way to cool down when they get too hot but sometimes it is not enough. Ways to keep our pets cool during the summer are simple! Ask yourself what would you do and you have the answers. But here are some great tips:
Going indoors where it is air-conditioned might be the first response. It is important to note that dogs do not have the same threshold as humans when it comes to being in the heat for long periods of time due to their fur. Making sure you bring your pets in before it becomes too much for them is key to avoiding any heat stroke incidents.
If your pet has to stay outdoors, provide plenty of shade for them to take refuge in. Large box fans can provide a much-needed breeze for really stifling days in the summer. Make sure to provide lots of water that is refreshed throughout the day.
Cooling jackets and mats are also great ways to combat the heat. The cooling jackets are commonly used for dogs that have to work or need a lot of outdoor exercises. The mats can be used for outdoor only dogs and for those that just like to lounge around.
If you have a water dog or one that just simply likes water, busting out the lawn sprinkler is a must. Your canine companion will love to chase around the spouts of water while getting cooled off by it at the same time. Purchasing even wilder hose hookups that are specifically made for summertime play is definitely a good investment as well.
Do not leave pets in your car!!
Paw Safety
As a rule of thumb, placing a bare foot on the pavement outside to see how hot it is before going on a walk with your dog is a good idea. Paw pads are skin-calloused skin but they can only do so much to protect against the overwhelming heat that collects on sidewalks and roads.
To avoid burns and other injuries, plan your walks early in the morning before the sun gets too high or in the evening. Stick to walking them on the grassy areas on your trip outside if you have to go during the day. Doggy boots are also a good option if you have a pet that needs to exercise a lot. Make sure the boot material is breathable and has a thick sole to protect against the dangerous heat of the ground.
Keeping Hydrated
Lastly, water is essential to all activities during the summer. Constantly refresh and refill your canine’s water bowl during the heat; it is also a good idea to put out multiple water bowls so your pet does not have to go far for a drink. Water fountain bowls are also great because they keep the water moving, which discourages nasty mosquitoes from laying eggs and creating a whole new problem.
However, some issues can occur with our pups, especially with those that practically inhale their water whenever they get the chance. Slow water bowls are awesome at only allowing a little bit of water to escape for our companions to drink, forcing them to slow down. A bonus as well is that it keeps water from splashing and your pet trailing slobber all over the house.
Some dogs love to crunch on ice cubes as a treat. While ice helps cool down and hydrate your pet, too much at once can lead to shock in the body. Allow your pet to cool down gradually from being outside and give them ice cubes sparingly.
This article was written by guest columnist, John Woods. John is the founder of All Things Dogs, a publication built to educate over 40,000,000 dog owners on how to care for their dogs.
