Bow WOW it’s Hot out There!
5 Hot Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Summer’s here with the temperatures rising and sidewalks steaming. If the weather isn’t comfortable for us, imagine how our pets feel. Summer brings a host of dangers for our dogs – primarily the risk of overheating. But, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has ways to protect your four-legged friend from the heat.
Stay Indoors
Breeds with pushed-in faces like Bull Dogs and Boston Terriers can find it tougher to breathe in warmer weather, so leave these pets indoors and only take them on very short walks to keep them safe during hot days.
Keep ‘em Groomed
Animals with thick and heavy coats definitely feel the heat, so groom your pets to keep them comfortable as temps rise. If you plan to shave away some of the coat, makes sure to leave at least 1 inch of topcoat to protect your pet from the sun. Their skin can burn too!
Hydrate your Pets
Always take fresh drinking water on walks or outings for your pets. This is especially important if you bring your four legged friend along on trips where they may be sitting outside for a long time. Also, make sure their bowls at home are always filled with cold water, especially when Fido hustles inside from being in the great outdoors.
Protect their Paws
Walk your pets early in the morning or at dusk when the sun isn’t out and the ground has cooled. If you decide to bring your pets to summer events like parades or carnivals, provide them with plenty of shade, the hot asphalt can burn their paws, just like it burns out feet if we walk on hot concrete or sand.
Prevent Overheating
Because dogs do not sweat, they release extra body heat through panting, so definitely check out the way your pet is breathing. And keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include:
- Loud, heavy panting, gasping for air, and/or huffing and puffing
- Abnormally rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature over 104 ®
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Anxiety or agitation, confusion, dizziness, uncoordinated walking, and/or fainting
- Lethargy or weakness
- Muscle tremors, shaking, and/or seizures.
And if you notice any of the above, call or take your pet to the vet immediately.
For more pet-friendly advice and news log onto www.avma.org.
