For most, the summer sun means beach days, pool parties, and walks along the boardwalk. For our furry friends, the summer sun means frequently uncomfortable panting and the constant search for shade. For people to cool off on a hot summer day, a dunk in the pool or five minutes in front of the A/C may do the trick. But for our pets – the solution is not as simple. We dog owners must know the signs of K-9 heat stroke and understand how pets naturally cool when their body temperature rises from the summer heat.
According to the American Kennel Club, early signs of heat stroke in your dog include heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, hot skin to the touch, higher heart rate, hyperactive behavior, and difficulty maintaining balance.
To avoid heat exhaustion and other hot weather-related illnesses. It’s important to practice basic summer safety for pets. Here are Pets a Go Go’s top five tips to keep your dog safe during the hot summer months:
NEVER Leave Your Pets in a Parked Car. Never, ever, ever! Inside a parked car, the temperature on a warm day can rise rapidly, especially with the windows rolled up. The damage to your pet exposed to these conditions can be irreversible, Including organ failure or, unfortunately, death. The Humane Society of the United States explains that on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.
Set Up Outdoor Shade. Wanting to be outside on beautiful summer days is inevitable for us and our pets. You can find shade or create your own to keep your dogs out of the heat! Simply sitting under a tree or picnic table may do the trick sometimes. However, the dye may be unavailable in specific settings. If this is the case, a great solution would be purchasing portable shade options such as movable sunshades, patio umbrellas, or pop-up canopies.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated. Wherever you plan to bring your dog on a hot day, it is essential to keep them hydrated with some cold water! Whether on a walk, a drive on a hot day, or a day spent at the dog park, keeping a portable water bowl on hand is essential in ensuring your dog drinks the right amount of water on a hot summer day. If you have a yard, keeping a water bowl refilled daily, held in the shade, and accessible for your dog is essential.
Watch the Humidity. During the summer months, it is essential to not only watch the temperature but the humidity levels as well. As mentioned above, dogs pant to release moisture from their lungs through their tongues and nostrils. If the humidity gets too high and there is a lot of water in the air, dogs cannot evaporate that moisture as quickly and cannot cool themselves off; therefore, their internal temperature will continue to rise.
Limit Exercise on Hot Days. To keep dogs healthy and in shape, it is essential to keep them active. However, we dog owners know what is best for our pets. On hot days, limiting exercise by adjusting duration, intensity, or time of day (early morning/early night) is best for keeping your dog cool. It is essential to be especially careful with pets who have white-colored ears as they are more susceptible to skin cancer and short-nosed pets who typically have difficulty breathing, explains The Humane Society of the United States.
Every pet owner wants to enjoy the fun with their dog in the sun. Following these few tips to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy this summer is essential for their well-being. Before any outdoor activity with your pet this season, always pre-plan, and protect yourself!
