As the scorching summer sun beats down relentlessly, dog owners face unique challenges in ensuring their furry companions stay safe and comfortable.
The summers in south Texas are known for their extreme heat and high humidity, making it essential to take extra precautions to protect our fur babies.
Check out the following five cautionary tips that can help us keep our canine family members safe, cool, and healthy during the grueling summer months.
1. Provide Ample Shade and Fresh Water
Just like humans, dogs need a cool and shady spot to retreat to when the sun is blazing. Ensure that your dog has access to shade at all times, be it under a tree, a canopy, or inside a well-ventilated area.
In addition, make sure fresh, cool water is always available, both indoors and outdoors.
Consider investing in a sturdy and spill-proof water bowl that won’t tip over easily, especially if your dog spends time outdoors unsupervised. Two or more separate bowls filled to the brim with water are ideal.
Take action: Our dogs have access to air conditioning 24/7, but if this isn’t an option for you, please be sure to create a designated shaded area in your backyard by using a canopy or installing a dog-friendly sunshade. Place a comfortable bed or mat in the shade, ensuring it’s large enough for your dog to relax comfortably.
2. Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Vehicle
Leaving your dog unattended in a parked car, even for a short while, can be life-threatening.
On a hot day, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket rapidly, leading to heatstroke or even death.
Even with the windows cracked, the heat can become unbearable within minutes. Always choose to leave your dog at home or find pet-friendly establishments where they can accompany you.
Take action: If you’re running errands or planning a day trip, make arrangements beforehand to ensure your dog has a safe place to stay. Look for dog-friendly places or ask a trusted friend or family member to pet-sit while you’re away.
3. Be Mindful of Walking or Jogging with Your Dog in Hot Weather
While regular exercise is essential for your dog’s well-being, it’s crucial to adapt your routine during the summer.
Avoid walking or jogging with your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Unfortunately, during the middle of summer, this may be between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Also keep in mind that the hot pavement or sidewalk can cause painful burns on your dog’s paw pads, leading to discomfort or even blisters. Consider early morning or late evening walks when the ground is cooler.
Take action: For our family, we get our walk in before the sun comes up. This is at the coolest part of the day and the sun hasn’t had a chance to heat up the pavement yet.
How do you know if the pavement is too hot? A quick test is to place the back of your hand on down on the surface for a few seconds. If it feels too hot to keep your hand comfortably on the ground, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws as well.
Choose a grassy route or consider using protective dog booties to safeguard their paws.
4. Limit Outdoor Activities and Provide Cooling Options
During our hot summer days, it’s essential to limit your dog’s exposure to extreme heat.
Excessive playtime or vigorous activities under the blazing sun can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Instead, engage your pup in interactive indoor games or mentally stimulating activities.
If your dog enjoys water, set up a small pool or use a garden sprinkler to create a fun and refreshing play area.
Take action: Fill a kiddie pool with cool water and let your dog splash around. Toss in some toys or treats to make it more enticing. Alternatively, you can freeze dog-friendly treats, such as slices of fruit or low-sodium broth and offer them as icy snacks to help keep your dog cool and hydrated.
5. Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke and Take Immediate Action
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can save your dog’s life. Symptoms include excessive panting, rapid breathing, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and even collapse.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Move your dog to a cooler area, provide access to fresh water, and place cool, wet towels on their belly and neck.
Then, contact your veterinarian for guidance and further assistance.
Take action: Stay vigilant during walks or outdoor activities and monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing heat-related emergencies.
Bonus: Invest in cooling accessories specifically designed for dogs, such as cooling mats or vests.
Cooling mats can provide a refreshing surface for your dog to lie on, while cooling vests use evaporative technology to keep your dog’s body temperature down.
As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure our dogs stay safe and comfortable during hot summer days. By following these five tips, you can help protect your furry friend from the potential risks associated with high temperatures.
Remember, keeping them cool, hydrated, and out of harm’s way is the best way to ensure a fun-filled and worry-free summer for both you and your pups.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.