- 1. WATER, WATER, WATER!!
Ensuring your pup has access to water throughout the day is crucial to safeguarding their health during hot and humid summer days. If your dog refuses to drink water despite being overheated, you can help cool them down by pouring cool water on their back and applying it to their groin area or the pads of their feet.
- 2. GROOMING
To keep dogs with thicker coats cool in the summer, consider professional grooming, but be cautious as certain breeds like huskies and golden retrievers should not be shaved. Ensure that enough hair is left to protect their skin from the sun, especially for dogs with no undercoat and/or white fur, as they are more susceptible to sunburns
- 3. SHADE & AIR CONDITIONING
Make sure your pup has access to shaded areas to rest and cool down, as dogs have a much harder time regulating their temperature than humans do.
- 4. WATER TOYS & SPRINKLERS
Creating a refreshing and enjoyable outdoor experience for your dog can be as simple as providing a kiddie pool or setting up sprinklers for them to splash and play in. Another option is to lay out a cold, wet towel for your dog to relax on, ensuring they stay cool during their time outdoors.
- 5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL LAKES
With a long lead leash, you can be sure you’ll see smiles and excitement from your pup as they have the freedom to safely enjoy the water as you watch from the shore.
- 6. NEVER LEAVE PETS IN A PARKED CAR
Leaving pets, especially dogs, in a parked car even for a short period of time should be avoided at all costs, as the inside temperature can rise rapidly. On an 30c day, the inside of a car can reach a dangerous 50c+ degrees within just 30 minutes, posing a severe risk of organ damage or even death for the animals. It is crucial to prioritize their safety by never leaving them unattended in a parked vehicle..
- 7. BE AWARE OF ASPHALT TEMPS
To protect your dog’s paws from burns and prevent overheating, it’s important to be mindful of hot pavement or asphalt on a hot day. Before walking your dog on the pavement, test its temperature with the backside of your palm—if it feels too hot for your hand, it means it’s too hot for your dog’s paws as well. Taking this precautionary measure can ensure the safety and comfort of your furry friend during outdoor walks.
- 8. LIMIT EXERCISE ON HOT DAYS
Hot sun, humidity, and exercise do not make for a great mix for your pup, but if he or she needs some light exercise, make sure to limit the intensity and length of your time outdoors.
- 9. AVOID THE HOTTEST TIMES OF THE DAY
If your pup is itching to get outside for some light exercise even on a hot day, try taking him or her out earlier in the morning before the sun and humidity are at their peak or in the evenings after the sun goes down.
- 10. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF OVERHEATING/ HEAT STROKE IN PUPS
Monitoring your dog closely for changes in breathing and activity levels is crucial. Signs of overheating to watch for include panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, dizziness, lethargy, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, or even unconsciousness, all of which can lead to death if left untreated. Paying attention to these early signs allows you to seek prompt veterinary assistance and prevent heat stroke from progressing to more severe stages.