Summer Time Safety For Your Dog

The sun is shining, the grass is green, and the sweat starts to drip from our brow.  Please remember that your dog gets hot too.  But, your dog can not tell you when he has had too much.  As a responsible dog parent, it is your responsibility to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the summer months, ok ALL the time.  Heatstroke can happen in a blink of an eye.

Heatstroke in dogs is serious, and can become deadly very quickly. Never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, or unattended outside in humid, or warmer weather.  Unventilated rooms such as garages or barns can also be risky. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water and shade.  Avoid walking on asphalt on extremely hot days. 

Some dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. Short-nosed, flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are at a higher risk because their airway cannot function properly to cool themselves down quickly enough.  Any dog who has difficulty breathing either due to being overweight, having a heart or lung condition or collapsing trachea are at a higher risk for heatstroke.  Other risk factors are dogs who have not had previous experience with high heat and humidity, or dogs with thick coats, thyroid disease, or any other serious illness.

Signs of heatstroke can include panting, drooling, rapid pulse, restlessness, loss of balance and fever.  If this happens, immediately run cool or lukewarm, not cold, water over your dog, particularly in areas where there is good blood flow, like the head, armpits, and groin. Afterwards, go to your veterinarian, or emergency vet clinic.  Heatstroke can lead to organ dysfunction and death, so it is an emergency. 

Here are some tips from veterinarian Judy Morgan.

But dont let the heat get you down.  There are plenty of summer fun activities that you can do with your dog, and products that can assist in keeping your dog comfortable in the summer heat.

1. Avoid the hottest part of the day
2. Avoid hot pavement
3. Dont overdo it, short outings, more often
4.  Incorporate cooling products such as a cooling jacket, cooling bandana, cooling mat, umbrella, dog stroller, covered wagon and dog boots
5. Keep the sunscreen on both you and your dogs nose, and skin if he is hairless
6. Have plenty of cool water, shade, and breaks
7.  Play games in and around a baby pool so your dog can go in and out
8. Take calming walks around waterfronts such as beaches and lakes
9. Play with the sprinkler
10. Play with ice cubes, or frozen treat toys
11. Strenuous exercise INDOORS, not outside

Here are some more tips from me on ways to keep your dog cool.