Hot Weather/Summer Tips for Dogs

In most parts of the country, when summer sets in, there is no question as to what the weather will be each day. Undoubtedly it will be hot!

For dogs, whose normal body temperatures are warmer than that of humans, it can seem even hotter. Couple that with wearing a fur coat and pets can get downright uncomfortable, or could even suffer heat stress or stroke.

Some of the things you can do to help your dog stay healthy and comfortable include obvious things, like making sure he has shade and cool water and not exercising him during the height of the midday heat. However, there are some other things you can do that can make a difference as well.

• Remove bedding from your dog’s crate. If your dog is crated, he will surely be much more comfortable laying on the cool crate bottom rather than a thick pile of blankets or towels.

• Keep up with grooming. Don’t let your dog’s coat get overgrown and matted, but don’t “shave him down” completely either. The dog’s fur is part of his natural insulation system that keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer. Also, keep in mind that shaving dogs’ coats too short can put their skin at risk of sunburn.

• Be careful with toilets. This is the time of year when dogs are tempted to drink the cold water from toilet bowls. Either be diligent about keeping lids down or skip using any type of cleanser or chemical that stays in the tank or bowl.

• Teach your dog where to go. If your dog is spending time outside, teach him to do a “down/stay” in a shady spot. This can also help prevent digging holes under bushes.

• Leave your dog in the house when you go out. Keep the air conditioning on or at least a fan.

• Check the ground during walks. Blacktop in particular can get scorching hot for your dog’s pads. Bend down and feel the surface to see whether it may be unsafe or uncomfortable for your pet.

• Teach kids when “enough is enough.” Dogs, like people, may get grumpy when it’s hot and kids are overzealous with their affections.

• Spending a day outside with the whole family? Wet your dog’s coat with a hose. He may love it (or not, at first), but will feel very refreshed once he’s all nice and wet.

• Watch out for symptoms of heat stress or stroke. If you see that your dog is panting heavily, salivating or foaming, these may be the first signs of a heat related problem. Symptoms can progress to include vomiting, lethargy and even worse! Don’t wait for symptoms to progress. Get your dog into a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water and if he doesn’t improve within a few minutes, contact your veterinarian right away.

By taking a few steps to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, he too can enjoy the “dog days of summer!”