The “Dog Days” of summer aren’t quite here
yet, but it sure feels like it. Although many of us love to spend sunny days
outside with our furry friends, the summer heat can pose some risks to your
pet. In some cases, hot weather can be downright dangerous. We have some simple
hot weather hacks you can take to prevent your dog from overheating this
summer. Keep reading to learn how to keep your pet cool all summer long.
1.
Change your Walking Schedule
You may enjoy a nice
long walk on a warm day, but it can be risky for your dog. The ground and hot
pavements can burn paws, and this will cause severe pain for your pet. Even
short walks could be unpleasant if it’s too hot outside. Grab the leash and harness, and take your dog for a
walk earlier or later in the day when the temps are a bit cooler.
2.
Provide Plenty of Water
Pets can get
dehydrated fast, so give your dog lots of clean, fresh water. You may notice
lots of drinking, which may result in dirty water. Changing the water
frequently and washing the water bowl will help it stay cleaner for
better hydration.
3.
Use Dog-Friendly Sunscreen
Many pet parents
don’t realize that dogs can get sunburned, too. It’s most common in areas where
the hair is thin or skin pigmentation is low. White and cream-colored animals
may get burned under their fur. Applying dog-friendly sunscreen may prevent
your pet from getting burned while you’re on an outdoor adventure.
4.
Know the Symptoms of Overheating
It’s a good idea to
stay informed and know how your dog is handling the heat. If you notice
symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or
vomiting, your dog may be in distress. These are signs of overheating, and you
should act quickly, moving your dog to a cool place and spraying cool water on
the coat. Use a fan to draw the heat away from your dog, and wipe the muzzle
with cool water. It’s best to visit the vet to ensure your pet is okay.
5.
Limit Exercise
You may love to run
with your dog, but activity should be limited during hot weather. Exercising
your pet should be done early in the morning or later in the evening. Watch
your dog closely for signs of overheating, as heat strokes are common problems
for pets during the summer. That’s especially true for dogs with shorter
snouts, like bulldogs or boxers. If you have an overweight pet, the warmer
temperatures can also be hard.
Get an Early Summer Checkup
When summer is getting started, it’s a great
time to get your dog tested for heartworms and other issues. Ask your vet for
any other precautions you should take with your dog. Never leave your pet in a
hot car. The temperature in your vehicle will be much higher than the
temperature outside after only thirty minutes. Even if you think you won’t be
long, your dog can suffer a potentially fatal heatstroke. We know that when
summer kicks in, there’s lots of fun to be had. If you follow these tips, you
and your dog will have a season neither of you will forget.
