Summertime is a season for playtime and a walk in the park! This is considered a happy season and this has many people heading outside to enjoy the warm days and sunshine.
Most Americans have at least 1 dog per household and although this summertime may bring a little worry to the pet owner in keeping their pets cool, there are fun and cool ways to avoid heatstroke.
Going on a hike or taking them to the beach sounds fun and you can bring your pets along on almost any adventure as long as you take a few precautions.
5 Tips to Help Keep Dogs Cool in Summer
1. Make sure there is always water available
Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains or just letting them play in the backyard, it’s important to make fresh, cold water available and accessible for him.
When you’re going on a trip make sure to bring a portable, collapsible water bowl or a squirt bottle. Make sure you have enough cool water to last the entire time you’re gone and be careful with giving too much water at once when they start panting.
2. Take time to play in the water.
A wet dog is a cool dog. It’s good to plan a summer trip together with your fur friend, especially by the river or lake. It is a good idea to take them somewhere they can play run and fetch with you. It is amazing how your dog’s body can easily cool down after a dip in the water.
Don’t forget to tap him dry or bring some absorbent towel along your trip.
3. Avoid the Midday Heat
It’s good to be updated with the current weather forecast. Any part of the day would be a great time to have a walk except midday where it’s scorching hot especially in some areas.
If it’s sunny, 80 degrees, and with high humidity, it’s better to avoid the midday heat. Try to go exercise early in the morning or in the afternoon instead. It is highly suggested to always check the pavement’s temperature by putting your hand on the pavement to test it or try pouring water on it, if it’s too hot, the water will quickly dry up.
4. Don’t Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Don’t leave your dog in a parked car—ever—even with the windows cracked. Even on milder days, temperatures inside the car can quickly rise to dangerous, life-threatening levels.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131°F to 172°F when it’s 80°F to 100°F outside.”
If you are taking a trip with your dog this summer, a car with air conditioning is fine. Monitor their behavior and If the dog isn’t used to traveling, watch out for anxiety attacks so make sure to always bring something to calm them down like CBD Oil
It is always a good idea that as early as possible, your dogs are trained to traveling as this is something they will look forward to.
5. Do your research about signs of heatstroke.
Going on a trip is fun and memorable and we don’t want any emergency. So pay attention to their behavior, body language, and more.
Heatstroke is a serious risk for dogs, especially on hot days. Puppies, senior dogs, and those in poor health are at a higher risk. Knowing what to look for is critical.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
Excessive panting and/or salivating
Obvious discomfort
Vomiting and diarrhea
Disorientation
Seizures
If you notice any of the above symptoms, get your dog into a cooler environment as soon as possible and call your veterinarian for further instructions.
until you can get hold of your Veterinarian, make sure to:
Remove the dog from the hot environment immediately.
Do not give the dog aspirin to lower its temperature and can lead to other problems.
Let your dog drink as much cool water as they want without forcing them to drink.
Cool your dog off with cold water by placing a soaked towel on its back.
“If your dog’s body temperature goes above one hundred and four degrees, it’s time to get them out of the sun and decrease the level of activity. It may not be dangerous but it’s the threshold. Squirting your dog’s chest and armpits with cool water and rubbing it in is a great way to help them cool down quickly. You can also rinse his mouth with water, which helps his internal cooling system work more efficiently.
It is strongly suggested to always consult your veterinarian as there are several signs of heatstroke that may not appear in a few days and that you need to strictly monitor.
