Doggone Hot Summer
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Imagine your Grandma wearing a sweater in 90 degree weather. What would you do? Would you just let her? You try to tell her to come in, but she replies, “I’m just trying to have a fun summer!” You notice that she is having difficulty breathing and is starting to look distressed. You get her inside to cool down and drink a glass of water. Phew, that was a close one. Our pets can be as fragile as our Grandmas in the summer. It’s important to know how to care for our furry family members during the heat. You can still have fun, but keep these tips in mind because they can save your pets life:
Tip #1: Splish Splash, Hydrate
Water is both refreshing and fun! Keep a fresh supply of water available for your pet. You can toss in a few ice cubes for a cool treat to beat the heat. When your on the go, bring a water bottle filled with cold water to keep you and your pet hydrated. Summers are meant for fun! Get a kiddie pool and watch their inner puppy come out to play. I’m sure they will get a good few gulps in, so keep the water clean and mosquito free.
Tip #2: Fun In The Sun Can Burn
Sunburns are the quickest way to kill the fun. Dog’s can get sunburns too! Good thing dogs aren’t as stubborn as our Grandma and are more willing for a good pat down of sunscreen. It’s important to protect the ones we love. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Routinely apply sunscreen as part of your summer routine which can be ordered from your vet or purchased at a pet store. Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals. The ASPCA says ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets. There’s nothing better than a fresh summer cut to help fight the sun rays. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog (shortest 1”), but never shave your dog! The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
Check Out These Dog Sunscreens
Tip #3: Safe & Healthy Summer Bod & Bond
Start your day off on the right paw. Choose health over sleeping in and exercise safely without letting the sun win. Walk early in the morning or after the sun has gone down to avoid hot asphalt because it can burn paws, increase body temperature, and lead to overheating. If you must walk your dog in the middle of the day, stay on the grass or consider paw protectors like shoes or booties.
Tip #4: Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun!
There is no wonder why dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend”, they love the same fun things we do: pool days, boating adventures, and outdoor entertainment. An important rule to remember is to never leave your dog unsupervised by a pool or large body of water; fun can turn into a fiasco real quick. It’s better to introduce your pal to water gradually and provide him/ her with a flotation device until they are strong swimmers. After an exciting day out, a good scrubbing is needed to remove any chemicals or salt from the pool. If you are headed to the beach, it’s best to leave your dog at home with fresh water. There is no guaranteed shelter at the beach and due to Covid all showers have been turned off. Sandy feet is better than sandy burnt paws. Don’t worry there is more fun sun-filled days in cooler temperature ahead for you and your bestie to enjoy together!
Tip #4: Hot Dogs Are Dangerous
Enjoy yourself a hotdog and a soda pop but never leave your animal in a vehicle! It can take just minutes for a dog to turn into a hot dog and develop heat stroke and suffocate. Also, In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving sweet tasting puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow which can be fatal. Instead, use animal-friendly propylene glycol coolant rather than ethylene glycol in your vehicles. If you keep a cool bottle of water handy, your pal is less likely to look elsewhere.
Tip #5 Summer Lovin’ Had Me A Blast…Met A Flea, Annoying As Can Be
Don’t let your summer days drift away dealing with not-so-fun bugs that could have been prevented! Visit your vet in the Spring before the onslaught of summer bugs, so you can enjoy an uninterrupted summer by implementing an effective flea and tick control program. This is a must! An early heartworm detection test and preventative medication will help protect your pet so you can get the most out of your days. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but pesticides can also cause problems for your pet’s health. Keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Look out for fertilizer warnings on lawns when walking your dog.
Tip #6: Summer Can Be Cruel But Not If You Follow These Safety Tips
During summer, I always think of the hit song, “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama, as it describes pavements burning and heavy, with dry air. We as animal parents must be aware and careful when it comes to our pets. Keep them hydrated, supervised by water, out of extreme heat and never left in cars. Humans aren’t the only animals that can find a hot summer day overwhelming. But unlike you, your pet has a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat. When there is only hot air for a dog to breathe, it’s a lot harder for that dog to keep cool. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces—like Pugs and Persian cats—cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. Excessive panting, reddened gums, dehydration, confusion and lack of muscular coordination are signs of heatstroke. To treat, get the animal in a shady place, cool him/ her with wet towels and call a vet. Dog houses under trees are shady and cooler than no shelter, but keep in mind they may become too hot if not properly ventilated. In extreme heat, don’t leave dogs outside alone for more than a few minutes for restroom breaks. Leave a fan on in a place that your pet can relax in the breeze.
