The Dog days of summer are here and as the weather gets hotter and we get back outside it’s important that we keep our fur buddies in mind. Summer is the time to have outdoor fun with our dogs. Longer walks in the park, ambitious hikes, beach days, or family travel. Hot weather can make humans uncomfortable so just imagine what it can do to your dog. With this in mind, we have put together a few tips to follow so you can keep Fido safe and sound during the hot summer months.
Never leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car. When it’s only 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your dog is susceptible to heatstroke and possible death in these conditions. Some modern cars have solved this problem by implementing dog mode ( that keeps the car cool until the owner returns) but unless you drive a Tesla, we recommend that you do not leave your dog in a hot parked car.
This probably goes without saying but always make sure your dog has access to plenty of freshwater. Dogs sweat through the glands in their paws and they lower their body temperature by panting. As water evaporates from the dog’s tongue, nasal passages, and lungs, this helps lower its body temperature. Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Dogs that are brachycephalic (have a short head and snout), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning. If you notice your dog is panting excessively then chances are they are thirsty. Make sure they have an adequate supply of weather and keep it in a cool shaded place. No one wants to drink hot water so make sure your dog’s water container remains cool.
Most of us keep our dogs inside but in some cases, dogs are kept outside in the yard. If your dog plays or stays outside make sure they have plenty of shade. Invest in a good-quality dog house that has ample ventilation and ways to channel the heat away from your dog. Check on them frequently and if the temperature becomes too hot then consider bringing them inside or turning on the sprinkler and allowing them to cool down.
Walks can be a great way to bond with your dog and is also a great source of exercise for dogs (especially those that are kept inside while you’re at work). When taking your dog for a walk, ensure that they are kept on a leash when he is outdoor to prevent accidents or injuries. It is also the law in many municipalities. Make sure your dog has on an ID tag (if he gets lost it makes it easier for him to be reunited with you) Also, it is a good idea to invest in a microchip implant for your dog and a GPS tracker that will help you find them much easier. Try to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days and refrain from physical activity when the sun’s heat is most intense.
Have you ever walked outside on the pavement with your bare feet? Well if you have then you know exactly how hot it can get. Your dog doesn’t have on shoes so they are essentially walking barefooted. Make sure to keep them off the hot pavement and whenever possible walk them on oft grass and during the cooler hours of the day.
Summertime is great for those beach trips. And we all know dogs love the water. The majority of dogs are natural swimmers but care should be taken when dogs enter the water, especially for the first time. Never throw your dog in the water and always start in shallow, calm water. Be careful to monitor your dog’s saltwater intake as this can upset their tummies and also watch out for creatures like jellyfish that can sting your dog. Watch out for sharp rocks and high tide and most importantly NEVER leave your dog unattended.
Not the kind you have at happy hour but the kind that can save your dog from potentially harmful diseases. Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Vaccinations can help protect your dog against some potentially fatal diseases, such as parvovirus, canine distemper, leptospirosis, and infectious canine hepatitis. Vaccinating your dog also stops them from catching and spreading deadly diseases to other dogs.
The professionals at Giving A Dog A Bone have provided their quality services to countless patrons in the South Florida region. And when you call to hire us you will receive exceptional pet dog training services. For any inquiries, you may call us at (772)-600-8435 or visit our contact page.
