The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and the summer months are finally upon us! On those warm days, you are not the only one starting to break a sweat…just imagine how it would feel in a fur coat! Hot weather can be a concern for the safety of your dog, but there are things that can be done to protect them. Here are a few tips to help keep your dog safe and cool during these hot summer months.
Schedule Walks Accordingly
The best time to take your dog for a walk during the summertime is early in the morning, or later in the evening. You should always check the temperature of the pavement; if it is too hot to place your hand on for more than a few seconds, then it is too hot for dog paw pads. Try to find a shady sidewalk or park to take a stroll in. If your dog is going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, consider applying some doggy sunscreen. As always, do not forget to bring water for yourself, and for your animal. Collapsible water dishes are a convenient way to keep your dog hydrated on walks!
Never Leave Your Dog In A Car
Your pet should never be left in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm summer day, temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees in a car within a matter of minutes. Even if the windows are left open, your car will heat up just as quickly. So if you are going somewhere that your dog cannot go inside, it is best to leave him at home!
Help Your Dog Cool Off
On those 95 degree days where you can hardly find a way to keep yourself cool, here are a few quick ways keep your dog from overheating. Leave a fan on the floor in front for him to sit in front of and catch a breeze. If your dog needs to stay inside, you should also make sure to leave your air conditioning on. If your air conditioning is not working as well as it should be, then summer is the ideal time to learn about air conditioning repair by contacting an HVAC specialist. You can also try an ice pack or cold cloth on his head, neck, and chest. And perhaps his or her favorite way, with a homemade frozen treat! A few yummy treats that your dog will love are frosty paws, peanut butter and jam freezies, and frozen pumpkin dog treats. Check out this site for a few more frozen treat ideas!
Grooming Dog
Keeping your dog well-groomed is always important, but especially in the summer. A clean, untangled fur coat can help prevent skin problems and help your dog stay cool. If you are going away and you’re planning to put your dog into a dog board, make sure they offer to groom your dog as this will help keep your furry friend well looked after whilst you’re away. There are so many places that offer this, like boarding a dog near Phoenixville for example, just spend some time doing your research. Anyway, in between this it is recommended to keep fur at least one inch long to protect from the sun. While you make think that shaving them completely would allow them to stay cool, their coats actually provide built-in climate control and defend against sunburns, twigs, and more. You may also want to add an extra bath or two in the summertime. Find a shampoo that matches the skin and coat type of your dog, and remember to brush before and after. Regularly brushing can prevent mats, which can trap heat and moisture, causing unwanted skin infections. It is also important to regularly check his or her ears in the summertime, particularly if they like to swim. Dogs whose ears fold over are prone to infections. Use a cotton ball to gently wipe inside his or her earflap. These few simple steps will keep your dog healthy and clean all summer long!
Signs To Look Out For
If you have done all you can to keep your dog cool, but are still seeing some of the following signs, it may be time to call your vet: Heavy drooling, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, dark or red gums/tongue, dizziness, weakness, and agitation. All of these symptoms show that your dog may be overheating, and medical action may be necessary! If you do need to seek medical attention for your dog in the near future, maybe it would be wise getting Pet Plan Pet Insurance for your four-legged friend.
If you are going on a vacation this summer and need a place for your dog to stay, make a reservation today!
