Keeping Your Dogs Safe and Healthy This Summer

Your pet may be able to handle the heat, but that doesn’t mean it’s comfortable. Dogs and cats have fur coats to keep them warm and protect them from the elements, but it can also cause problems when temperatures rise. If you’re concerned about your pet during the summer months, here are some tips to help keep your pet cool and comfortable.

Don’t Leave Your Pet in a Car 

It is important to know how long you will be in an area before bringing your dog out there. The temperature inside a car can rise about 25 degrees in just 10 minutes, so it's best to leave your pet at home if you're going to be out and about for more than a short time.

Give Your Pet Plenty Of Water

If you’re like most pet owners, you know that it is crucial for your pet to stay hydrated. We often forget to fill up our own water glasses at home, but we need to remember to do the same for our pets. There are a lot of ways to make sure your pet is staying hydrated, but one of the simplest is to make sure they are drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Protect Your Pet’s Paws!

On a warm, sunny day, nothing is more refreshing and relaxing than a stroll through the park. However, you should be aware of the impact walking your pet on a hot sidewalk can have on their paws. On a hot, sunny day it’s important to walk your dog in the grass or the shade whenever possible. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

Apply Pet-Safe Sunscreen 

Dogs get sunburned too. Just because they can’t tell us that they’re uncomfortable doesn’t mean that they don’t feel the sun’s damaging rays. The UV rays from the sun are just as harmful to them as they are to us. Unlike humans, dogs can’t apply sunscreen or clothing to protect their skin. A good, general rule to follow is if the sunscreen is safe enough for a baby it is safe enough for your dog. 

Know the Signs of Overheating 

The internal temperature of a dog’s body can vary, depending on its age and breed, but most dogs have an average temperature of between 100° and 103°F. There are many causes of a high temperature in dogs, so it’s important to know what to look for and when to see the vet.

• Excessive Panting 
• Excessive Drooling 
• Fast & Irregular Heartbeat 
• Rapid Breathing 
• Lethargic Behavior 
• Disorientation 
• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Collapse 

If your pet is overheating, immediately take them to a cooler area and give them cool water. It’s important to use cool water and not ice-cold water as rapid cooling can also be dangerous. You can also take damp rags with again, cool water, and slowly fan them dry until their temperature drops.