Tips for Taking Care of Your Dogs This Summer
By Eva Ternovska
Summer is here, and you and your dogs can finally enjoy the warm weather. What could be better than playing fetch at the park or taking long walks on the beach? While summer can be really fun, the warm months can also be dangerous for pets. Keep these tips in mind to have a safe, as well as fun, summer.
Monitor your pet for overheating
A big concern for dogs during the summer is overheating. Dogs cool off mostly through panting. Sometimes this isn’t enough, however, and dogs can overheat. Dogs with flat faces, such as bulldogs and pugs, are particularly at risk for overheating.
To keep your dogs safe, know the symptoms:
- Heavy panting and shortness of breath. If your dog is panting really hard after light exercise, this may mean that they’re overheating.
- Disorientation or lethargy. Your dog may act tired or not be aware of their surroundings.
- Diarrhea and vomiting. Overheating leads to dehydration, which can lead to these side effects.
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of overheating, immediately take them indoors into a cool room. Set them in front of a fan and wet them using a towel and cool water. Offer them some water to drink. Then, take them to a veterinarian.
If your dog collapses, don’t hesitate— get them to a vet immediately.
Provide access to water and shade
The best way to avoid overheating is by making sure that your dog always has access to water and shade. You can add some ice cubes to your dog’s water to help them cool off. Make sure your backyard has plenty of shade. Trees and porches provide great sources of shade. Dog houses can get really hot during the summer, so make sure your pet has a safe space to cool off.
Don’t leave animals in cars
Leaving animals in a parked vehicle is illegal in over 20 U.S. states, for a good reason. Every year, hundreds of pets die because they were left unattended in a hot car. Even leaving your dog in a car with the windows cracked can be dangerous. Temperatures can still soar to fatal heights. If you’re going out somewhere with your dog, make sure to never leave them alone in the car.
Take care when you exercise your pet
Make sure to go on walks when it’s cooler outside. This can be in the early morning or evening. Make sure to keep yourselves hydrated − carry water for both you and your pet!
Don’t walk your dog on hot asphalt
Hot asphalt can actually heat up dogs’ bodies and burn their paws. A good way to check if the pavement is too hot, is by placing your hand on it. If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement for long, that means that it’s not safe for your pooch’s paws. Take a walk together on the grass instead.
Make sure your dog wears sunscreen
Sun exposure can cause skin cancer in animals, just like it can in humans. Short haired dogs, dogs with light colored fur, and hairless dogs are especially at risk. Thankfully, there’s sunscreen specifically designed for animals. Make sure to ask your dog’s veterinarian which sunscreen is safe to use.
Keep an eye on your pets when they’re around water
Pools and bodies of water can be a safety hazard for dogs. If you bring your dog to a pool, make sure that they don’t drink the water. Pool water contains chlorine, and if consumed in excess it can cause nausea and vomiting. If your dog swims in a pool, rinse them off after they’re done. Some dogs also may not be able to swim. You may want to get a life vest or some other flotation device for your dog if you’re planning on going on a boat this summer.
If you want to let your dogs splash around in water safely, get a kiddy pool for your backyard. Fill it up with water from the hose, and let your furry friends splash around!
References:
“5 Hot Tips for Summer Pet Care.” My Pet, https://www.mypet.com/pet-care-tips/5-tips-summer.aspx.
“Is My Dog Overheated? How To Tell and What To Do About It.” The Shot Spot, 9 July 2018, theshotspot.org/news/pet-overheated/.
“Hot Weather Safety Tips.” ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips.