How to Help Your Pet Beat the Summer Heat
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog! Although we love the summer, our dogs may have a different perspective on high temperatures that are among us, so it’s important to follow the necessary steps to keep our furry friends safe. Below are some tips on how to keep your pets cool this summer.
Hydrate!
On a hot day, the first thing you do is take a cool, refreshing drink. It’s important to make cold, fresh water available and accessible for your pets, as well. When you’re out, bring a portable water bowl or a squirt bottle. Give 4-8 ounces of water every 10-20 minutes during outdoor activity. You always want to make sure you have plentry of cool water to last the entire time you’re outside the house.
Protect the Paws!
Before you head outside, touch the pavement with your hand. If it’s too hot for your own hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. A good alternative is to walk on the grass or try booties for your dog’s paws so they don’t burn.
Health is Wealth!
Have you asked your veterinarian what your pet’s ideal body weight is? Overweight dogs can have a harder time keeping cool in the summer and are at greater risk of overheating. Measuring food and monitoring snacks will help them lose weight. Help your furry pals by keeping them at an ideal body condition.
The difference between animals and humans on a hot summer day is, we can communicate in words when we are hot – as opposed to dogs who cannot communicate with us unless through body language and behavior.
Heatstroke is a serious risk for dogs so it’s important to know the symptoms. If your dog experiences any heatstroke symptoms, immediately get your dog into a cooler environment and call your veterinarian for further instructions.
- Obvious discomfort
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Panting and/or salivating excessively
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
These are just a few ideas to get you started for enjoying fun in the sun with your dog. Comment on your unique tips to keep your dogs cool this summer!