The summer is coming upon us and it is predicted to be a very hot one. Staying cool during high temperatures is not only important for us, but for our dogs as well. Our furry friends can experience the same problems in the heat as we can –dehydration, overheating and sunburn. It is essential that we know how to prevent these issues from occurring.
Dogs have sweat glands only on their noses and their paw pads, which makes it more difficult for them to cool off in the heat. Their main mechanisms for regulating overheating are panting, laying on cold surfaces and drinking water. So, during high temperatures, make sure to always have fresh, cold water for them to drink (Asobu has a good choice for a bottle and bowl combo or you can simply choose a collapsible bowl like this) . You can also keep some chilled water in a spray bottle and use it to wet their belly and paw pads. Additionally, ice cubes or some crushed ice make for a great snack on a hot day.
When taking your dog for a walk, feel the ground with the palm of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s probably too hot for your dog’s paws – they can burn their paw pads when on that hot of a surface for too long. Try to keep your walks to the morning and evening hours when it is not as hot out. If you must go out in the afternoon, keep the walk short and try to stay on grass if possible.
If you take your dog on car rides, then you must remember not to leave them in the car alone without air conditioning or without opening the windows. The temperature in a car can and will increase dramatically and quickly, which can be dangerous, even life-threatening, for your dog. If you have to leave them in the car, then carry an extra set of keys. This way you can leave the car and air conditioning on, as well as lock the car doors.
One issue that most people probably don’t think of in terms of their dogs is sunburn. However, it can happen, particularly in dogs with short or shaved hair and dogs with a pale coat. It usually occurs on the bridge of the nose and tips of the ears. The belly and the insides of their legs can also get burned. There are sunscreens on the market made particularly for use on animals (here a good option from Epi-Pet). If you purchase this product, make sure to read the instructions carefully and be cautious of applying it on areas where your dog can potentially lick it off.
If you are fortunate enough to have a pool, you can definitely let your dog go for a dip to keep cool. Just make certain that they are never left unattended or unsupervised around the pool area. If your dog is just learning to swim, you can buy them a life vest to help with the process (check out this great vest from Outward Hound).
Remember these tips on how to cool your pups off, as they could prevent a serious or even life-threatening condition. Keep them cool and keep them safe. Have a great summer!