Everyone knows how hot it can be in places like Florida and Texas during the summer time. It's important to take into consideration the amount of pets that die each year due to heat-related accidents. The following is my top ten list of ideas and helpful hints to keep your dog not only cool but happy in the sizzling heat. No matter where you live or what breed you have, these simple solutions can not only provide fun but also knowledge on how to keep your best friend cool!
Top 10 Tips for a Healthy and Safe Dog This Summer:
- Always keep water accessible and available to keep your dog properly hydrated. Keep the temperature cool by adding in ice cubes and keeping bowls in the shade if outdoors.
- Provide lots of shade and/or a cool place for your dog to stay when you are not with them. Inside air conditioning is best. Even in the shade, a dog with a heavy coat can develop heat stroke.
- NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows down. The inside temperature of a car can reach almost twenty degrees hotter than the outside temperature. It is absolutely crucial that pets are not in the car when the air conditioning is not running.
- Pay attention for any skin allergies or hot spots that could develop from a change in climate. Skin allergies happen most frequently during the summer. Make sure your dog is current on all shots and flea and tick medicine as diseases can also run rampant during the summertime.
- If it is too hot to exercise during the day, take walks before sunrise or in the evening. Walking at night or in the very early morning is the best time to take your dog out. Even in the dark, always keep water handy and don't over-exert your best friend.
- Let your dog participate in cool exercise such as swimming. Know your breed – some will sink, not swim, such as Bulldogs. Water games and activities can be a ton of fun. Playing fetch in the pool, teaching your dog how to dive off the diving board and even retreiving things under water can be a blast. Know that a lot of dogs are scared of water in the beginning. Take your time to slowly acclimate your dog teaching them how to get in and out of the pool. If they are a new swimmer- never leave them unsupervised until they properly know how to exit the pool many times. Hose your dog off with fresh water to rise the chlorine when you are through.
- Pay attention for any signs of overheating such as bright red/purple tongue, dizziness, loss of coordination, profuse panting, diarrhea/vomiting, dog's temperature (should not exceed 106F), glassy eyes, drooling or coma. Should your dog present any of these these signs, cool him off right away by pouring cold water all over him or get him in a bathtub or pool. Give him water to drink, place him in the shade or air conditioning and call your vet immediatly.
- Purchase a 'cooling pad' for your dog to lay on. Many products for pets are available for purchase during summer. Cooling pads provide a cool place for your dog to lay. Other products such as hydro-cooling vests, air conditioned dog houses, doggie booties and special cooling bandannas for dog to wear are also available. For a low cost, cooler- take an old white t-shirt, wet with cold water and have your dog wear it until it drys- then take it off.
- Make chicken broth ice cubes as a special warm weather treat. If you have a puppy, take an old rag and soak it in chicken broth. Freeze the rag for them to chew on./ Not only does this cool them off, it's good for their gums and they love the taste!
- Provide a kiddie pool in the shade or spray misters that your dog can use to cool off. Kiddie pools are a great way for your dog to beat the heat on his own time. Make sure not to fill to much for little dogs that would have to swim and not be able to get out. You can use bricks as tiny stairs for little dogs that like to swim but you make sure accidents can't occur with a dog that can not get out on his own.
Keep your pets cool, and happy this summer by also playing indoor games such as hide and go seek, find it, teaching tricks, etc. Dogs that stay active mentally as well as physically are generally more well adjusted and calm. Most importantly, don't use the heat as an excuse not to spend quality time with your dog. A few changes to your schedule can provide the same amount of exercise as in fall or winter. Stay safe and don't walk your dog on hot concrete either- their pads will burn!