Preventative care is essential for avoiding serious injuries (such as heat stroke). Many professional organisations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, stress the importance of preventive health care. Learn more from the official source: American Veterinary Medical Association.
Summer Risks for Dogs
If not managed properly, hot weather can create serious health consequences for dogs. Panting is less effective in humid climates than in dry climates; therefore, your dog will have more difficulty self- cooling.
Summer Health Risks
- Heatstroke & Overheating
- Excessive panting causing dehydration
- Burns from hot surfaces
Hydration and Outdoor Safety
Provide a variety of water bowls around your house. Replace the water in those bowls periodically to provide fresh water anytime your dog is.
Water Access During Activities
Carry water with you while taking a walk with your dog. If your dog spends most of their time outside, you must also have shaded area(s) for your dog to use.
Creating Shade Outdoors
There are multiple ways to provide shaded areas for your dog when outdoors; trees, umbrellas, etc all provide a shaded area for your dog while they are outside.
Cooling Strategies for Dogs
How To Keep Dogs Cool When Inside
When you designate part of your home for your dog to do their resting they will have a cool place to go to relax.
Outdoor Cooling Options
- Provide plenty of shady area
- Provide plenty of fresh drinking water at all times
- Provide cooling mat or cool towels for your dog to lay
Safe Outdoor Activities in Hot Weather
Best Time And Place To Walk
As a result, the risk for a dog getting an illness due to heat will also then be reduced. Check the temperature of the area where you are walking your dog.
Walking Tips
- Bring a share of fresh water to use on your walk with your dog
- Walk your dog for shorter distances and at a slow speed
By changing your routine, you will be able to continue to keep your dog active while removing any risk of injury.
Grooming and Coat Care
- Shaving double-coated dogs.
- Bathing too frequently leading to dry skin.
- Ignoring matting and tangles in the dog’s coat.
- Using harsh and/or inappropriate products to groom your dog.
Having a proper dog grooming routine will help your dog stay cool and continue to have a healthy coat!
Signs of Heatstroke
One of the most serious problems facing dogs are heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs very quickly and must be treated immediately.
Diet and Hydration During Summer
A food that is light and good for your dog during high temperatures, is better than heavy foods since they are easier for your pet to digest, and produce energy; versus heavy meals, which can make your dog feel sluggish, and produce more body heat.
Hydrating Foods
Finally, try introducing fruits as a healthy source of hydration to your dog that are high in water, for example: seedless watermelon (an occasional treat) which will improve your dog’s hydration levels. To avoid feeding unsafe foods to your dog, whatever they may be, their food should be considered safe for them also.
Travel and Routine Care
Always stop frequently on long trips. The success of a safe and happy trip for your pet during the summer months can be informed through proper planning.
Consistent Routine
Having a consistent routine throughout Sunday during the summer (i.e. – walks, meals, grooming, and resting) should go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy and away from stress.
Conclusion
By following a few simple steps, your pet can have an enjoyable experience this summer and remain cool, calm, and energetic – through both efforts made toward caring for your pet, as well as by giving love and attention to your pet.
