Our dogs are our best friends, they make us happy and keep life interesting. Sometimes we forget that they are like us; they don't like the heat for too long and love to sleep and rest inside. When it gets warm we have to adjust our dogs' lives just like ours. It's crucial to make some adjustments to your pup's life to assure it has a "paw"-fect summer.
Adjust their exercising time
I know many people who run with their dogs, and keeps them and their happy pup healthy. In the summer it is important that you limit the time you spend outside with your dog to either early mornings or evening time. Your dog won't be used to exercising in the heat, and it can lead to dehydration, sunburns (for dogs with lighter hair), and exhaustion. It is also important to walk or run your dogs when its cooler because they could burn the pads of their feet on the asphalt.
Keep water bowls full and put them everywhere
Make sure to always keep their water bowls full of nice, cold water. When it gets really hot, you can add ice for extra relief. If your dog has access to the interior and exterior of the house during the day, make sure to fill bowls in and outside of the house before you leave. This will assure your dogs stay hydrated and happy!
Teach your dogs how to exit the pool
Accidents happen, and dogs can fall into the pool as easily as a person can. It's important to show your dog where the exit is in the pool in case this happens. Take your dog into the pool with you and guide them back to the exit. If you do this once a year it will assure that they know what to do if they happen to join your pool party or fall in during the year.
Shave that long coat
I own a Chow Chow (pictured above); and in the summer she gets really hot and really cranky if she isn't shaved. If you have a long-haired dog with a thick coat, consider getting them shaved for the summer. Your veterinarian's office should be able to do this, and it will keep your pup happy too.
Provide some shade
Even though your dog has access to the inside of the house, they love to be outside and warm their bones. Make sure to provide a shady area for them to rest in. Shade will provide a cooler area, and it will keep those water bowls cooler too.
Make frozen treats
Frozen treats will decrease your dog's body temperature and provide a delicious snack for the lil' pup. These frozen snacks can range from healthy fruit pops to savory beef bites. If you don't know how to get started try these tasty snacks, check out this link for some tips.
Look for signs of heat stroke, dehydration, exhaustion, and more
In order to prevent heat stroke, dehydration, or exhaustion, you have to pay close attention to your dog and know the signs.
Signs of heat stroke are: excessive panting and drooling, small amounts of urine production, and black or bloody stool. Your dog will also be tired and a little wobbly in their movements.
Signs of dehydration are: weakness, collapsing, dry gums, and exhaustion. The best way to test for dehydration is to take your thumb and forefinger and pinch their back or the back of their neck. If your dog is not dehydrated, the skin will spring back into place immediately. if your pup is dehydrated, the skin will slowly take time to move back into place.
These signs will help you quickly identify if your dog needs to get inside, cool off, rest, and get some water.
Do not, under any circumstances, leave your dog in the car
Even if it is to run into the store, do not leave your dog in the car. Your car's temperature can increase by 20 degrees only after 10 minutes. Any dog left in a car can suffer organ or brain damage, and die if it's left in the car for too long. You'll also save your car windows from being broken by crazy dog-lovers like me.
It is fairly simple to keep your dogs healthy, safe, happy, and cool in these hot summer months. I urge you to follow these rules and pass this on to others.
Let's keep the dogs happy.
