Summer is finally upon us and it couldn’t have come fast enough! While this gorgeous weather is great for beach parties and barbeques, too much exposure to the heat and sun could cause your dog to overheat, causing serious medical problems including death. Obviously, dogs with thicker coats are at a higher risk because their thick fur is designed to effectively trap heat in colder environs, but even smaller dogs with thin coats could be at risk if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Also, dogs don’t have sweat glands located throughout their body like humans do. Theirs are only located on their noses and the pads of their paws, which means that they rely on panting to remove excess body heat. In most circumstances, this method works just fine, but in extreme temperatures, they simply can’t keep up. The result is heat exhaustion, severe damage to their brain and vital organs, and, eventually, death.
Here are a few tips to follow to keep your puppies cool and comfortable this summer.
Never Leave a Dog Unattended in a Vehicle
You would think that this is just plain common sense at this point, but you’d be wrong. Leaving any animal in a vehicle when temperatures are above 70 degrees – even for just a few minutes – can be fatal. A vehicle with closed windows is essentially a greenhouse. The seats, carpeting, and dash absorb the immense heat entering the vehicle, which then becomes trapped by the windows, creating a potentially lethal sauna in a matter of minutes.
Thankfully, since so many people continue to leave their dogs unattended in their cars, many states are now passing legislation aimed at keeping these animals safe and punishing those responsible for endangering them. Nineteen states have now enacted laws outlawing the dangerous practice and enforcing heavy fines and even jail time for those found guilty.
Additionally, many states have passed laws that allow concerned citizens to enter a vehicle that is not their own (even if that means breaking a window) in order to save a dog suffering from extreme temperatures. In Maine, for instance, you are allowed to do so if the ““animal’s safety, health or well-being appears to be in immediate danger from heat, cold or lack of adequate ventilation and the conditions could reasonably be expected to cause extreme suffering or death.”
If you come across an animal in danger but live in a state without these animal protection laws contact the police or fire department immediately, and wait near the vehicle for help to arrive.
Hydration Station
Another key factor in maintaining a healthy body temperature for your dog on a hot day is giving them easy access to as much water as they need. Make sure that you keep a water bowl in a familiar place that is easy for the animal to find and use, and also make sure that the bowl is always more than half full. It’s also wise to add ice to their water to maximize the effect. If you’re outside playing on a hot day, why not get out the hose or the sprinkler for a fun way to play with your dog and keep them cool at the same time.
If you and your fur baby are outside on a hot day, it’s also important to find a spot that offers ample shade. This gives the animal a chance to cool down whenever they’re feeling overheated. A nice shade tree is preferable to a dog house, as these small, confined structures lack air flow and trap heat, making the situation even worse.
Limit Exercise
Summer days offer a great opportunity to get out there and get some good exercise with your animal, but in extreme heat, you should limit your dog’s physical activity. Many dogs love to play so much that they will do so even at their own peril, not realizing that their bodies are reacting adversely until it is too late.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t exercise your dog during the summer months, but do so in moderation according to the heat and humidity of the day. Instead of your usual fifteen minutes of fetch, knock that in half and do two sessions that are interrupted with plenty of rest and hydration.
If your dog gets cabin fever easily and absolutely craves the outdoors, exercise them in the early morning or late evenings to keep them cool. Also, be sure to avoid asphalt wherever possible – as much as it can hurt our bare feet on a hot day, it’s even worse for dogs as their paws are highly sensitive. If you think your pup might have burned their paws while on your daily walk, get them to the vet immediately.
Symptoms
It’s relatively easy to determine if a dog is suffering from heat exhaustion. Symptoms include extreme panting, increased heart rate, changes in the coloration of their tongue, excessive thirst, and a lack of coordination. If your dog is exhibiting any of these tell-tale signs, get them to a temperature-controlled area immediately and provide them with ice water and apply cold towels to their head, neck, and torso. As you do so, call your veterinarian immediately and transport them to their office in an air-conditioned vehicle as quickly as possible.
We hope that you and your dog have a wonderful summer, but in order to keep them safe, follow the tips above and practice some basic common sense. If your dog is experiencing any symptoms of heat exhaustion, get them to the vet immediately. Quick action could mean the difference between a crappy day and losing your fur baby forever.
