As we get closer to summer time with Summer Solstice officially on June 21, we get more sun and spend more time outside. It’s important to prepare ourselves and especially our pets for the summertime heat. Here are some tips to keep in mind for those hot days with your pet.
- Dogs can only cool down by panting and sweating on their paw pads. To help cool an overheated animal, provide cool drinking water, apply ice packs to the head and neck, or give the dog a lukewarm (not cold) water bath.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even if the windows have been left open, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. Learn more at mydogiscool.com
- Salivation, excessive panting and vomiting can be a sign of heatstroke which can cause brain damage and even death. Remember that your furry friend doesn’t get to take off his coat when he gets too hot!
- Make sure to provide your pet with lots of cold, fresh water when headed outside with your pet or leaving him out on a hot day. Make sure he has a nice shady spot or bring your pet inside when temperatures are high.
- Try to keep walks and playtimes to early mornings and evenings and not during the heat of the day. High temperatures can heat up your dog’s body very quickly and hot asphalt can burn paw pads.
- If your pet is accompanying you to the beach, make sure he has plenty of fresh water and shade. Water play is fun, but give your dog a good, clean rinse after swimming in salty water.
- Don’t use sunscreen or bug repellents on your pet that aren’t labeled for animal use. Ingesting these products can cause harmful side effects to your pet such as diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.
- Watch out for fleas and ticks! A good flea and tick control medication is especially important during the summer. They don’t just bug our dogs, these parasites can also be dangerous to humans.
Posted in Tid Bits of Fun!
