The weather is gorgeous and the day is bright. You have hours upon hours of time to kill and there's no better place to do this than the outdoors. Of course you'll want company, and not always human company. Here's some tips to keep you and your furry friend safe in the heat of the summer.
1. Stay hydrated.
Sometimes it's even hard for us to remember to hydrate ourselves, let alone our four-legged companions. Just think: your dog is covered in a thick coat of fur that retains heat at an alarming rate. Always remember to bring enough water to share with your canine friend and a container for them to drink out of.
2. Check the pavement.
While we wear shoes that protect the bottoms of our feet, dogs have sensitive pads that can burn easily when in contact with hot cement. If you are walking on a paved road, makes sure to keep your pup in the shady spots and check with your hand to make sure the pavement isn't scorching hot.
3. Parasite prevention.
You and your dog probably plan to embark on quite a few nature adventures. But before you do, make sure that you've properly applied a flea-and-tick prevention medication. Be sure to do your research on different types of application and brands before you purchase and always follow the directions on the package. Many people also forget about heart worm preventatives. Contracting heartworms in the summer months is common because of the influx of mosquitos. Don't let your dog drink from puddles or standing bodies of water, as they could easily ingest an infected mosquito. Make sure your topical parasite preventative works against mosquitos and other external nuisances.
4. Fans aren't a solution.
While a handheld fan may help to cool you off in the summer, the story is different for your puppy. Dogs release heat in two ways: panting and through the pads of their feet. If you see your friend starting to slow down from the heat, try dabbing cool water onto their pads and misting their fur with a cool spray bottle. This helps more than blowing air in their face.
5. Never leave a dog in a parked car.
This is common knowledge, but I cannot stress enough the importance of never, ever leaving your pet in the car on a hot day. It only takes minutes for your companion to overheat and go into shock. If you need to leave your dog in a vehicle, roll down the windows enough to allow air to flow inside but keep the dog contained. Also, park in a shady spot so heat does not build up faster. It is best to avoid leaving your pet alone, but if you must, only do so for very short periods of time, with the windows rolled down, and the car parked in the shade.
6. Check the weather.
Before planning an outing, take a look at the forecast for the day and the projected temperatures. If you feel your fur-covered friend will be uncomfortable in the heat and humidity, reschedule your activity or leave the pup at home. Always think of your dog's safety first.
7. Know the signs.
Last but certainly not least, know the warning signs of heatstroke in your pet. Before taking a trip, educate yourself on the symptoms of heatstroke and hyperthermia so you know what to look out for. If you notice your dog exhibiting these signs, have the number for your vet or an emergency facility on hand or in your phone. Although you should take all the precautions to prevent this situation, make sure that you are prepared for the worst. You can read about the symptoms here.
If you keep these things in mind, then you and your faithful companion are ready to have an exciting and safe summer!
