Time for some fun in the sun!
But of course, we want it to be fun for everyone… including our furry friends. Here are 11 things that will help your pup have a better time during the heat.
#1
Watch for dehydration.
Keep cool water for your pets and check their shade outside. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Just checking their conditions can help a disaster from ever occurring.
If you can’t spot the signs of dehydration, check out our blog titled “Is Your Dog Dehydrated?”.
#2
Do NOT leave them in a parked car.
We know that you’ve heard it before, but we really can’t stress it enough . On a 78 degree day, the inside of the car can reach 160 degrees in minutes. That’s death – plain and simple.
#3
Prevent overheating.
The heat is especially hard on dogs because they can’t perspire and can only cool off by panting.
Watch for the following early signs of overheating:
- Excessive panting
- Red colored gums
- Thick ropey saliva in the mouth
- Warm to the touch
- Red “flushed” skin near the ears, muzzle, underbelly
- Sweating or moisture from the paws (not common)
#4
Keep them home.
If it’s not necessary that they come with you, consider leaving your dog at home on really hot days, in a cool place or a shaded yard. We know how difficult it can be to separate yourself from your fur-baby, but you need to do what is best for them… not you.
#5
Travel safely at all times.
It should go without saying, but never leave your dog unrestrained in the back of a pick-up truck bed. It’s just not safe. Place them in a crate or in the cab of the truck. Besides the potential risk of an accident, the unshielded truck bed is extremely hot on their paws.
#6
Put up the chemicals when not in use.
For many people, summer is gardening season. It’s also months of fighting weeds and pests. But with all of that comes a huge danger –
PLANT FOOD, FERTILIZER, AND INSECTICIDES CAN BE FATAL IF YOUR PET INGESTS THEM.
Keep them safely stored away from your dog.
#7
Keep Them Tagged and Collared
With travel and outdoor fun always comes the risk of losing your dog. Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. The ID tag may be their only way back home to you.
#8
Watch the Pool.
If you’ve got a pool, or visiting a place with a pool, you’re on guard duty, as far as your dog is concerned. Pets and pools can equal disaster. So prevent any free access they may have, and always supervise a pet in the pool.
#9
Pest Prevention is a Must.
A common summertime threat is not only fleas and ticks, but also mosquitoes. So make sure your dog has proper protection from all three.
Some over-the-counter products can be toxic. Check with your vet for recommendations.
#10
Avoid Crowded Places.
Don’t take your dog to crowded summer events like concerts or fairs. The combination of loud noises, crowds, and the heat can be stressful and dangerous for dogs.
Leave them at home. Especially during 4th of July.
#11
Watch Out for Hot Surfaces.
Yes, a dog’s feet are made for the outdoors. But there is a big difference between natural and man-made surfaces. Don’t walk your dog on hot asphalt or concrete. If you wouldn’t walk barefooted on it, don’t make them. Be mindful of their paws.
If it can’t be helped (and sometimes, it just can’t), there are easily-affordable booties that can help protect their feet from burns. Check online or your nearest pet/retail store.
Did You Know?
Dogs don’t sweat like people do. Their act of panting helps lower their body temperature.
Summer Tips for Dog Owners
by Bill and Elizabeth Cooper
Thanks to the people and contributors at www.pixabay.com for their beautiful, free stock photos!