While rising temperatures may make you feel unusually hot and uncomfortable, it is important to remember that your pet also experiences these annoyances with a fur coat on. Summer heat doesn't mean your dog has to become inactive for a few months, you just need to take extra precautions to ensure they remain healthy during your summer fun. By knowing how summer conditions and rising temperatures affect your dog, you can better prevent dangerous situations. Take these 7Â helpful tips into consideration to avoid harming your furry family member this summer:
- Avoid hot pavement - Many people forget how sensitive the paw pads on their dog's feet are. Sand and pavement double in temperature when it is hot outside. Before taking your dog on a walk, press the back of your palm on the asphalt for 7 seconds and test the heat.
- Your dog can get sunburnt too - If your dog's more sensitive areas (ear tips, nose, eyes, abdomen, etc.) will be exposed for an extended period of time, be sure to get a waterproof sunscreen made specifically for dogs, or a sun protector. Rest in the shade whenever possible.
- Long Haired Dogs - Groom long-haired dogs and dogs that have a tendency to shed aggressively to make them more comfortable.
- Prevent fleas and ticks - Regularly check your dogs for fleas and ticks, especially after going on a hike. If you hike often or if your dog is in tall grasses and wooded areas often, you may want to give your dogs a flea and tick preventative medication.
- Hydrate! - Properly hydrate your dogs. You may want to pack extra water just in case when going outdoors.
- Recognize the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion - Vigorous panting, dark red or dry gums, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, lying down, unwillingness to get up, staggering gait, collapse, loss of consciousness, thick saliva, and seizures are all signs of heat stroke.
- You've identified heat stroke, now what? - Immediately move the dog out of the heat and cool them off with water or place wet rage on their head and footpads. NEVER use ice cold water. Don't force the dog to drink, but be sure to offer them water. Call your veterinarian immediately. You may want to call while you're already on your way to visit them.
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While rising temperatures may make you feel unusually hot and uncomfortable, it is important to remember that your pet also experiences these annoyances with a fur coat on. Summer heat doesn't mean your dog has to become inactive for a few months, you just need to take extra precautions to ensure they remain healthy during your summer fun. By knowing how summer conditions and rising temperatures affect your dog, you can better prevent dangerous situations. Take these 7Â helpful tips into consideration to avoid harming your furry family member this summer:
