The Dog Days of Summer
Keep cool this summer. Keep an eye out for heat stroke symptoms:
Panting
Dehydration
Excessive drooling
Increased body temperature (103F or higher)
Lethargy
During the hot days make sure you pup has access to plenty of fresh water. Make sure there is shade available if you are outside with your pup. Exercise is great, but when the temperature is high outside, keep exercise to a minimum. If heat is excessive (90 degrees or higher), it is best to stay inside or visit an indoor doggie park that is air conditioned.
Also remember that when it's hot outside, the ground also heats up - especially concrete and asphalt. So be sure to test the sidewalk with your hand. If you can't stand the heat, it's likely that your dog can't either. We know they have tough paw pads, but dogs present to the vet every summer for limping due to burns on their feet. It's a good idea to get some booties to protect them (and to take hilarious pictures of them in).
Did you know that dogs get sunburns too? Their bellies and noses are the most typical places to find sensitive skin. Help prevent sunburns and skin cancers by applying dog-safe sunblock and limiting their time in direct sunlight.
NEVER leave your pup in the car, even for "just a minute." With the windows cracked a car can easily get to boiling temperatures in minutes. Dogs die of heat stroke and exhaustion every year. In just 10 minutes, a car left out in 70 degree weather will have an internal temperature of 89 degrees. If it is 80 degrees out, the car will be 99 degrees inside. Cracking the window allows for air but doesn’t help reduce heat. For a detailed chart of temperatures and elapsed time visit the American Veterinary Association “Pets in Vehicles”
Article edited by Wendi Black
June 2022