HEAT, HOT PAWS, HEAVY PANTING……7 simple ways to keep your fur baby cool during the HOT summer months!
SUMMERTIME=FUN TIME for you and your doggie, but with that keep in mind that the heat is doubly worse on them….the hikes may have to wait if the heat is on the rise. We always want to make sure to keep our fur babies safe and cool during the hot summer months!
- KNOW THE SIGNS: Know how to tell if your dog is overheated. The most obvious one is heavy panting, but other signals include dry gums that become pale, drooling, a fast pulse, diarrhea, and vomiting….be aware of how they are acting.
- If OUTSIDE: Offer plenty of SHADE and WATER. It is best that you do not leave your dog outside in the excessive heat for any extended length of time. We know that dogs need the fresh air and need to be outside, but when it is stifling, keep it short. REMEMBER: Plenty of water and shade trees or coverings! Keep running and hyper activities to a minimum during these real hot days!
- INSIDE the house: Keep the temperature even inside your home. Remember: Dogs have an average temperature of 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, several degrees warmer than the human average of 98.6 degrees. Because of this, consider cool areas for them to be in and keep the temperature cool inside on hot days….plenty of water too.
- PAVEMENT CHECK: If outside for a needed walk, do a PAVEMENT check for yourself. If it is too hot for your hand….it is TOO hot for their paws. Walk on the grass if possible, some people buy shoes for their dogs if limited on grassy areas. Again, keep the walk brisk and as necessary.
- A CAR IS A NO NO: Inside the car by themselves, even for a minute is a HUGE no no during the heat. On an 85-degree day, it can reach 102 F within 10 minutes. And that’s with a window cracked. After 30 minutes, it could be up to 120. Leave your dog at home, or go places where he can come with you!!!
- Plan Exercise walks better: GO OUT in the evening when it is cooler if you need to ensure your dog gets their exercise, which is important for optimum health! Keep a dog water bottle handy on this walk! Believe it or not, these consistent and well planned exercise walks will help them with controlling the heat, keep them trim and it helps keep them from overheating!
- GET A DOG POOL: Or your human pool, a lake, the ocean, whatever works for you. Have fun in the water, make it a DEEP SEA ADVENTURE for your pooch! Make sure to have toys to play with. Always be around your dog when he or she is swimming, even though they are natural born swimmers, we should NEVER leave them unattended, no matter how old they are. Your kitty may like to take a dip too!
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Have a great and safe summer, stay cool and enjoy your fur babies.
With many purrs and barks,
