With summer in full swing, the HOT weather is here! Here are some tips to help keep your pup safe during these dog days of summer.
Hot weather safety tips for dogs
When the temperature outside starts to rise, it’s important to take extra care of your furry friend. Dogs are susceptible to overheating and heat stroke, just like humans, and it’s important to be aware of the signs. Here are some hot weather safety tips for dogs:
- Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early morning or evening walks when the temperature is cooler.
- If you must walk during the day, make sure to take plenty of water for both you and your dog, and take frequent breaks in shady areas.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short period of time. It can heat up quickly, and dogs can suffer from heat stroke very quickly.
- If your dog is panting excessively or seems lethargic, provide them with a cool, wet cloth to lie on and give them lots of water to drink.
- Never shave your dog down to the skin in an effort to keep them cool – they need their fur to protect them from the sun and heat.
- Be aware of hot pavement – it can burn your dog’s paws. Put your own hand on the pavement for a few seconds before letting your dog walk on it – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!
Following these tips will help you keep your pet safe and comfortable all summer long.
Keeping your dog cool in summer
Summertime is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather with your four-legged friend, but it’s important to take some extra precautions to make sure your dog stays safe and cool in the summer heat.
- Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in hot weather, so it’s important to make sure they always have water available.
- Provide your dog with a shady place to rest if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time. If possible, set up a doggy pool or sprinkler in the shade for them to play in and cool off.
- Limit your dog’s exercise during the hottest hours of the day. Walk them early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler outside, and make sure they have plenty of breaks if you’re playing fetch or Frisbee.
- Never leave your dog alone in a car during warm weather, even for a short period of time. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, even on mild days, and can be fatal for dogs.
- Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs, which include heavy panting, increased heart rate, drooling, lethargy, weakness and collapse. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Dog heatstroke – what are the signs?
Most people know that hot weather can be dangerous for young children and the elderly, but many don’t realize that hot weather can also be harmful for pets. Dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, which occurs when their body temperature rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If untreated, heatstroke can be fatal.
Dogs can’t sweat like we do – they only have sweat glands in their paw pads. As a result, they can’t cool themselves as efficiently as we can, which means they’re more prone to heatstroke.
At its mildest, heatstroke in dogs can cause excessive panting and drooling. But it can quickly escalate to lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, coma and even death.
Here are some signs of heatstroke to look out for:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- An increased heart rate
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Coma
What to do if your dog has heatstroke
If you believe your dog has heatstroke, take the following steps immediately:
- Get your dog into the shade or an air-conditioned space.
- Apply cool, not cold, water all over your dog’s body to begin lowering their body temperature. You can use cool towels, put them in a cool bath, or hose them down.
- Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water or ice chips.
- Take your dog to the vet ASAP for further treatment.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your dog safe when traveling in hot weather:
Summertime travel is a great time to get out and enjoy the weather with your dog, but there are some hazards that you need to be aware of. Here are some hot weather safety tips for dogs:
- Never leave your dog in a parked car. It can get very hot inside a car, even with the windows open, and your dog can suffer from heat stroke or even die.
- Be careful not to over exercise your dog in hot weather. Stick to short walks or play sessions in the cooler hours of the day and make sure there is always access to shade and fresh water.
- Avoid hot pavement. The pavement can get very hot during summer months and can burn your dog’s paws. Stick to grassy areas or sidewalks that are in the shade.
- Be aware of signs of heat stroke in dogs, which include panting, drooling, increased heart rate, weakness, collapse and vomiting. If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, move them to a cool area immediately and wet their fur with cool water. Call your veterinarian for further instructions.
- Hot weather can be tough on all of us, but it’s especially hard on our furry friends. Dogs are susceptible to many of the same heat-related illnesses that humans are, and they can’t tell us when they’re feeling ill. It’s up to us to keep an eye on them and make sure they stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
- Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water at all times. A dog can’t cool off properly without enough water to drink.
- If your dog is outside during the day at your AirBNB, provide a shady spot for him to rest in. A doghouse is not enough – it will only trap heat inside.
- Apply sunscreen to your dog if they will be spending extended periods of time outdoors. Dogs with light-colored fur or skin are especially susceptible to sunburn.
- Never shave your dog down to the skin for summer – he needs his coat to protect him from the sun’s harmful rays. If you must clip him, make sure not to cut too close.
It’s important to remember that dogs are susceptible to the same effects of heat and sunlight as we are. They can get sunburned, dehydrated, and overheat just as easily as we can. That’s why it’s so important to take some extra steps to keep your pups safe when traveling during the summer months.