As the summer sun starts blazeing overhead, it’s crucial to remember that our four-legged friends require extra care and attention during the hot months. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, dehydration, and paw pad injuries, among other summer hazards. To ensure the well-being of your furry companion, this blog post will provide valuable tips on how to protect your dog during summer, backed by relevant statistics.
- Hydration is Key: Just like humans, dogs need ample hydration to stay healthy and cool during summer. According to the Kennel Club, a dog’s water intake can double or even triple in warmer weather. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Consider investing in a portable water dispenser for outdoor activities or walks.
- Avoid Excessive Exercise: While exercise is essential for dogs, it’s crucial to modify their activity levels during hot weather. Overexertion can lead to heatstroke or exhaustion. It is advises limiting exercise to cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings when temperatures are lower. A team at Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that exertion or exercise – which could include dogs walking, playing or running with their owners – was responsible for three quarters (74%) of heat stroke cases.
- Create a Safe Haven: Provide your dog with a shaded and well-ventilated area where they can escape the scorching heat. Whether it’s a covered patio, a ventilated doghouse, or an air-conditioned room, offering a cool retreat helps prevent overheating. The Humane Society highlights the importance of keeping dogs indoors during extreme heat, as temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with windows cracked.
- Protect Those Paws: Hot pavement or sand can cause severe burns and blistering on your dog’s paw pads. To avoid this, walk your dog on grass or shaded surfaces when the ground is scorching. If you’re unsure, perform the “seven-second rule” by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.
- Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly. In just a matter of minutes, your dog can suffer from heatstroke, organ damage, or even death. According to PETA reports that on an 85°F (29°C) day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102°F (39°C) within 10 minutes and soar to 120°F (49°C) within 30 minutes.
- Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke: Understanding the symptoms of heatstroke is crucial for prompt action. Common signs include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, vomiting, and disorientation. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediately move them to a shaded area, apply cool (not cold) water to their body, and seek veterinary attention without delay. If you unsure of signs of heat stoke I did a video on the seven signs of heat stroke and uploaded to all my social media.
Protecting your dog during summer requires vigilance and proactive measures. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your furry friend stays cool, comfortable, and safe. Remember, your dog relies on you to provide the necessary care and protection, especially during the scorching summer months. Stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy a fun-filled summer with your beloved companion! So make sure if you do walk your dog to stay in time beore peak time which is 11am-3pm, and stay to grassey areas. If there is no natural water source make sure to take water with you.
