Dog Summer Safety Tips & Tricks
With the hot days of summer near, there are many tips that you can follow to keep your pets cool and happy. Dogs can very easily overheat causing organ damage and lead to a large vet bill. By following these tips, you will make sure your pet stays cool and healthy this summer.
Never Leave Them In The Car
When your car is sitting in the hot sun, it can become a sauna extremely quick. It takes around 5 minutes to reach a temperature that is too hot for your dogs. NEVER leave your pet in a hot car. Even if you think that you are only going to be in the store for just a second. You never know how long the check-out line is or who you are going to run into for a quick chat while in the store.
Make Sure They Have Shade & Water
When your pets are playing outside, they can also get overheated very fast. Dogs do not sweat like humans. They must pant to cool themselves off. Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh cool water and a little bit of shade. These are a few good tips to keep your pets cool in the summer. Freeze a large container of water about 3/4th full, fill it the rest of the way up with unfrozen water and put it outside. This will give your pets access to cool water through the day as the ice melts. If your dog has long hair keeping a fan or a misting fan outside for them to lay under.
Keep Their Paws Cool
Dogs feet are sensitive to the hot pavement and concrete. When taking your pets for a walk place the back of your hand on the ground. If you do not want to leave your hand on the ground for an extended period of time, then it is too hot for your pet to walk on. Getting doggie boots will help protect their paws while they are walking. Also, in the summer walking on a trail through the woods would be cool on your pets’ paws as they are usually shady and sometimes even unpaved.
Dogs Get Sunburns Too
Just like people dogs can also get sunburns. Very short hair or light hair dogs can easily get sunburned. These dogs are best to keep in the shade. They do make sunscreen, especially for dogs to help decrease the burning. If you have a short light haired dog, apply some sunscreen to them before they go outside and play.
Keep Them Safe
If you notice that your dog has gotten too hot bring them inside in the air condition and begin to cool them off with cool, not cold water. If they seem very lethargic and cannot get cool take them to your veterinarian. They will give the IV fluids to help cool them off. By following these few tips during the hot summer months you will keep your dog healthy and cool.