Summer is here, and so are the warm, humid climates that come along with it. With temperatures rising and the outdoors becoming a little less bearable, be extra considerate of your furry friends. Dogs carry thick coats of fur, some of which have a harder time trying to stay cool during these warm months. However, there are ways to help your pet stay cool during these times and ensure their comfort and happiness on walks and other outdoor activities!
Here’s 4 ways to keep your dog from overheating this summer:
Hand On Pavement Trick
An easy way to tell if the ground is too hot for your dog’s paws is to do the “hand on pavement trick.” To do this, you will need to place the back of your hand on the pavement. If it gets too hot that you need to remove your hand before five seconds have passed, the floor is too hot. In this case, you will need to make sure your dog stays on grassy areas or wears proper protective foot gear.
Avoid Leaving Your Pet In The Car
Cracking a window in this heat will no longer cut it. You may have gotten by with it in the fall and spring months, however, dogs need extra AC this season. You can either leave your pet home, leave the AC on full blast with a note indicating so, or take your dog out of the vehicle with you. These methods will keep your dog safe and keep your window from being wrongly smashed in!
Always Have Water
To keep your pet safe during high temperatures, make sure they have plenty of water at all times. Dog’s find it very easy to cool down when splashing around in water or simply laying in it, so if you’ve always wanted a kiddie pool, now is the time! This creates a fun activity for you and your pet to bond over and allows you to escape the heat together.
Keep An Eye Out For Signs Of Overheating
Is your dog panting more than usual? Are they needing to take breaks in the shade more often? Are long walks turning into short strolls? If this is the case, you may need to slow down on typical activities. Like humans, dogs can become dehydrated or have heat strokes. Lookout for the following warning signs which are signs of high body temperature:
- Too much consumption of water
- Red eyes
- Disorientation or confusion
- Heavy panting
- Vomiting
If these occur, seek cool shelter and water immediately!
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