Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat
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š¶ Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat
Summer means longer days, outdoor adventures, and sunshineābut for our furry friends, it can also bring serious risks. Dogs can overheat quickly, and heatstroke is not only dangerous but can be fatal if left untreated. As temperatures rise, it's essential to take extra precautions to keep your pup cool, comfortable, and safe.
Hereās what every dog owner should know about keeping their canine companions safe in the summer heat.
āļø 1. Avoid Midday Walks
The pavement gets hotāsometimes hot enough to burn your dog's paws. A good rule of thumb: if it's too hot for your bare hand or foot, itās too hot for your pupās feet. Try to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and sidewalks have had a chance to cool down.
Pro Tip: Stick to grassy or shaded paths and bring water for both you and your dog.
š« 2. Never Leave a Dog in a Parked Car
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can turn into an oven within minutes. On an 85Ā°F (29Ā°C) day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102Ā°F (39Ā°C) in just 10 minutesāand it only gets worse from there.
Bottom line: Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, not even for a quick errand.
š§ 3. Keep Them Hydrated
Dogs need more water in hot weather, especially if theyāre active. Always have fresh, cool water available at home and on the go. Collapsible water bowls and portable dog water bottles are great for walks, hikes, and travel.
Signs of dehydration: dry gums, excessive panting, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity.
š§ 4. Create Cool Zones
At home, make sure your dog has access to a cool, shaded spot indoors or outdoors. Use fans, cooling mats, and even frozen treats (like ice cubes or dog-safe frozen fruit) to help them beat the heat.
Consider: Kiddie pools, shaded patios, or a damp towel to lay on.
š¾ 5. Know the Signs of Overheating
Dogs donāt sweat like we doāthey cool off by panting and releasing heat through their paws and noses. But in extreme heat, that may not be enough.
Watch for these signs of heat exhaustion:
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Wobbly legs or collapse
- Lethargy or confusion
If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, wet them with cool (not cold) water, and call your vet immediately.
š 6. Choose the Right Activities
Save high-energy play like fetch or long hikes for cooler days. Instead, opt for:
- Gentle walks in the shade
- Sprinkler play in the backyard
- Puzzle toys indoors
- Short, supervised swims if your dog enjoys water
Some breedsālike Bulldogs, Pugs, and other flat-faced dogsāare more prone to heatstroke and should be monitored even more closely.
š§¼ Bonus Tip: Watch for Hot Spots
Humidity and moisture can cause skin irritation in dogs, especially under their collar or in areas where fur stays damp. Dry them off after swimming or baths and keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or itching.
Final Woof š¾
Summer fun should be safe for everyone in the familyāincluding your dog. By paying attention to the temperature, staying hydrated, and knowing the signs of heat-related illness, you can help your dog enjoy a happy, healthy summer season.
Stay cool, stay safeāand donāt forget the belly rubs. šš¦