Summer can mean lots of fun outside with our pets, but we need to know how to cool them down as the temps go up. Whether its a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the heat can be hard on them. Here's how to keep our favorite furry friends cool and comfortable.
1. Never leave your pets alone in the car.
Even when it isn’t that hot outside, the temperature can soar inside a closed car. The car retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. On an 85-degree day, it can reach 102 degrees F within 10 minutes, and that's with a window cracked open. After only 30 minutes, it could get as high as 120 degrees F. Animals may also get over-excited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure to have water for your animals and keep the AC running.
2. Be careful with exercise.
Limit when and how much your pets do when it's hot and humid. If you're wanting to take a walk, check the pavement first to see if it is too hot for your dog. Touch the pavement and, if it's too hot for your hand then it's too hot for your dog's paw pads. I can tell you from personal experience that this can really happen as it happened to my former guide dog, Gretchen, many years ago. I don't think there's anything more heartbreaking to a dog lover than to see a beloved service dog with all 4 feet bandaged up due to burned paw pads. Always try to plan your walks in the cooler part of the day such as in the early morning or evening hours. This will make the stroll more pleasant and comfortable for both of you. Although exercise is important for healthy pets, this is the time of year to ease up on the intensity.
3. Keep your dogs hydrated and offer plenty of shade.
Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat. Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Always be sure to carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your dog. Better yet have him/her carry it for you in a backpack or a vest! The water in the bottles will keep the dog cooler and also give the dog a sense of purpose.
Obviously, you don't want to leave your pooch alone outside for extended periods. Trees are better than doghouses for shade. They let air flow through whereas doghouses can trap the heat and make it worse. Think about a kiddie pool or a sprinkler to help your pal cool off in the yard.
Keep an eye on the humidity, too. When the air is full of moisture, your dog may not be able to pant enough to cool off and this can raise his temperature which can lead to heatstroke. Also, be mindful of at-risk dogs. For example, be watchful if you have a snub-nosed pet like a pug or bulldog. Their smaller airways make it harder for them to release heat when they pant. It's also easy for old and overweight dogs or those with heart and breathing problems to suffer heatstroke. Our pets can't tell us when they don't feel well so we need to be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke which may include: Heavy panting, heavy drooling. trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, dark or red gums and tongue, dizziness, weakness, and/or agitation. If you see any signs, get to the vet right away.
4. Keep all shots up-to-date.
The parvo virus spreads in hot weather and your dog probably spends more time outside, which means there's a greater chance of coming into contact with a critter with rabies. Summer is prime time for fleas which spread many diseases and mosquitoes which carry heartworm. Maintain your pets on regular meds to prevent these pests.
5. Find creative ways to cool your pet.
Don't have air conditioning? No problem! Find a spot in the shade and set up a kiddie pool, lay down a wet towel for your pet to lie on, or simply set up a fan in front of a pan of ice. Another idea is to make cool treats and help your canine chill from the inside out. For puppy popsicles, make ice cubes with tasty treats inside or fill and freeze a chew toy to make a chilly snack. You might also want to use the hot weather as an excuse to swim more often! Then again, who needs an excuse to swim! One more tip is to let them dig! Your dog may resort to finding his own way to avoid the heat. Dogs in nature dig their dens, not out of frustration, but to find food, hide, give birth,or keep cool! If possible, locate a shady area where it's okay for your dog to dig.
Well, I hope this has given you some interesting and innovative ways to help your four-legged companions keep their cool this summer. If all else fails, you can always just run to Wal-Mart and by some Frosty Paws ice cream treats for your pup! My mom's yellow lab, Cooper, LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his Frosty Paws!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
