How you can protect your dog from the heat and hot summer sun
Summertime, and the living is easy. Except it’s not so easy if you own a fur coat that you can’t take off. Here are some tips to help protect your dog from heat and sun.
Alongside all the fun we associate with summer – BBQs, beaches, pools, trips of a lifetime – are numerous hazards for your pupster pals. Here’s how you can protect your dog from heat-related issues.
Pay Attention to the Paws: That hot black pavement might not do anything do you through your thick soled shoes. The pads on your pup’s paws are a different story.
Dogs have quite a bit of blood circulating through their paw pads, and they are particularly sensitive to hot and cold down there. There’s no need to buy doggie booties, but pay attention to how your dog reacts while walking on hot pavement. If you see some quick leg-lifts, scurry off the concrete and on to cooler pastures.
Clean Cool Water: Dogs can’t sweat to cool down like people can. Nevertheless, they need plenty of fresh water to survive and thrive just like we do. In fact, water helps cool down the internal organs of a dog system. Therefore, water is particularly crucial to protect your dog from the heat.
Many dogs also find the crunch of ice cubes satisfying. So drop a few in Fido’s bowl when the mercury starts to rise.
Rest and Relaxation: Dogs will pant more vigorously, and for longer times, the more they exercise in hot weather. Again, dogs can’t sweat, so they expel heat from their bodies by panting. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just stop the exercise as soon as you get a sense that your dog is looking lethargic. Get home to the air conditioning. Let nap time take over.
Look for the warning signs
Is that heatstroke? Dogs definitely begin to act abnormally when they are suffering from any kind of related issues. They may start to lose their balance or have difficulty navigating simple obstacles like stairs. Dogs can also vomit and have sudden diarrhea when the early onset of heat stroke occurs. Be on the lookout for any behavior that seems out of place when out with your dog on hot days. Take immediate action to protect your dog from heat-related illnesses.
Dogs and skin cancer? Yes, dogs can get skins cancer. They can get almost any illness that humans can get. And when your dog gets that summer haircut – a wise choice, especially for longer-haired dogs – their skin is more exposed than ever. There’s no reason to worry about it for the daily 20-30 minute bathroom breaks. Long-term exposure outside can, however, be a problem. If you can see your dog’s skins through the fur, a fun shirt that your dog tolerates usually does the trick.