1. Walk or exercise your dog early in the day.
Temperatures are cooler in the morning, so try to get outside with your dog before the hot sun makes exercise too dangerous for you both!
2. Check your dog for ticks
Your dog may pick up some unwanted hitchhikers while enjoying the outdoors. Before returning from outside, check your dog thoroughly for ticks and other bug bites.
3. Some dogs should be shaved, while others should not
Some dogs need relief from their heavy coats, but please be aware that not all dogs are suitable for shaving. Dogs with double-coats (or undercoats) do NOT need to be shaved. Their undercoat acts as an air conditioner during the summer.
4. Keep your dog hydrated
To encourage your dog to drink more water, add flavor! For example, add tuna water or beef broth to their bowl of cool fresh water.
5. Prevent flies from biting your dog
There are many things you can do to stop flies from attacking your dog. Try bathing your dog with all natural shampoos, keeping your food and water bowl area spotless, and removing pet waste from your yard.
6. Dogs suffer from heat stroke, too
Dogs can quickly become overheated. They cool down by panting, and in extreme hot weather the heat can easily overpower their ability to adjust their body temperature. Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs and how to avoid it.
7. Yes, dogs can get sunburns!
sunscreen formulated for pets is available that will protect your dog’s exposed skin. A dogs nose is usually the most susceptible area to a sunburn. Be sure to provide your dog plenty of shade, and never leave them exposed to direct sunlight during the day.
8. Avoid boredom!
Dogs need lots of stimulation and attention. One idea: inflate a kiddie pool and fill it with water. This will provide your dog with relief from the heat and supply entertainment.
9. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day
Leaving your dog in the car, even when it doesn’t seem that hot to you, is similar to putting them in an oven! Dogs feel heat differently than humans, and cars can heat up extremely quickly. Leaving the windows partially open is NOT enough. Parking in the shade WON’T keep the car cool enough. In a few minutes your dog could be overcome by heat stroke, it’s not a joke! Temperatures in a closed vehicle will rise approximately 19 degrees in just 10 minutes!
10. Don’t overdo outdoor play with your dog
Many dogs are so enthusiastic when it comes to fetching a stick or a ball that they will literally play until they pass out from exhaustion. In hot weather, they may pass out from heat stroke before a physical level of exhaustion would normally tell them to rest.
11. Beware of hot pavement underneath your dog’s paws
Imagine standing barefoot on your stove burner. This is what it’s like for your dog when their unprotected pads reach the sun-baked road, parking lot or even sidewalk. Try to keep your dog off the pavement on hot days. Instead, encourage your dog to walk and play on cool grass.
12. Always provide your dog with ways to keep cool
some ideas include:
-Portable fans can generate a breeze that will lessen the impact of hot weather
-Freeze water in 2-litre bottles and place them in your dogs crate
-Cooling mats are available for dogs; some contain material that turns into gel when wet, allowing them to remain wet and cool for longer periods of time
-Frozen dog treats will keep your dog cool and and give them something fun to do outdoors in the heat
13. Don’t use a glass dog water bowl outside
Glass water dishes act like a magnifying glass when left in direct sunlight on a wooden surface (like your deck). Just the same, a round bowl placed in a wire rack can concentrate the sun’s rays and cause a fire that could burn down your house.
14. Avoid taking your dog to crowded summer events
This may seem like a fun idea but large crowds can be very stressful for dogs, both physically and emotionally.
15. Never leave your dog unattended around the pool
Not all dogs are swimmers! Just like a child, when a dog unexpectedly falls in the water they may not be able to get back out on there own. The sides of the pool typically make it difficult to get out with their short legs.
Signs of heat exhaustion: red gums, excessive panting, looking tired, excessive thirst and dehydration. Cool your dog off with a spray of water or cool towel on their head and chest, and give them plenty of water
Signs of heat stroke: Pale gums, lethargy, extreme dehydration, and a very high temperature. This is an emergency! take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Enjoy a fun and safe summer with your dog!
