It’s summertime, and pet owners should be aware of the dangers summer heat can bring. Taking a few simple precautions can make summertime living better for your pets. Please take these few tips to consideration.
If you and your best friend will be spending time outdoors, make sure that you watch your dog closely for signs of overheating and heat stroke. Many people don’t even realize that their dog is overheating. That long, happy tongue is letting you know your dog is HOT! Heat stroke is a very real danger for your dog and will cause nausea, loss of consciousness, brain damage, and possibly death.
Make sure your dog has access to a shady place to cool off, with plenty of fresh water to keep him cool and hydrated. Some dogs are at more risk for heat related illness than others, such as dogs with flat faces and short noses, older dogs, puppies, and dogs with a health condition. When outside with your dog, and temperatures really sore put a few ice cubes in the water bowl.
Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. Leaving the air conditioning on is no guarantee that your dog will be safe. Leave your dog home on hot days, or find alternate ways to run your errands.
Short summer clips not a good idea. Many owners like to give their pets short cuts during the hot months. That doesn’t necessarily ensure a cooler body temperature and could cause your pet to become sunburned. Keeping your pets well-groomed is important, but a very short clip isn’t a good idea.
At my household we have 4 Boxers. They are short-haired and have short noses, they also get hot very quickly. Last summer was very hot, we had an idea on keeping the dogs cooled off. We got a small children’s wading pool and filled it up with water, and also turned on a rotating sprinkler. The dogs enjoyed the cool water on their skin. They would even play in the pool. Also there was plenty of shade in the yard for them. It is always a good thing to make sure your pet has a great time outside, but always remember your pets safety in the heat.
Story and Photos by Molly Clegg, HS Intern
