Summer is a great time for outdoor activities, but it can be dangerous for dogs if the weather gets too hot. Dogs are at risk of heatstroke and other health issues when temperatures rise, so it’s important to take precautions to keep your pup safe. Here’s an ultimate guide to keeping your dog safe during hot weather.
Provide Adequate Water
Make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. This is especially important on hot days when they may be more likely to become dehydrated. If you’re out and about with your dog, bring along a collapsible water bowl or bottle that you can fill up with water as needed.
Understand the Signs of Overheating in Dogs
It’s important to know the signs of overheating in dogs so that you can act quickly if necessary. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs in your pup, move them into a cool area immediately and contact your veterinarian right away.
Don’t Shave Your Dog
You may think shaving your pup will help them stay cool in the summer heat, but this isn’t necessarily true. Dogs have fur for a reason – it helps protect their skin from sunburn and keeps them insulated from extreme temperatures. If you want to keep them cooler in the summer months, opt for a shorter cut instead of shaving them completely bald.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
Hot surfaces such as asphalt can burn your pup’s paws and cause serious injury if they walk on them for too long. Try to stick to grassy areas or sidewalks when walking your dog during hot weather – these surfaces tend to be cooler than asphalt or concrete and won’t put their paws at risk of burning.
Take Walks During Cooler Hours
If possible, try to take walks with your pup during the cooler hours of the day such as early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower outside. This will help prevent overheating and ensure that both you and your pup stay safe while out on walks together!
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in Hot Cars
Never leave your pet unattended in a car during hot weather – even if it doesn’t seem too warm outside! Temperatures inside cars can reach dangerously high levels very quickly which can lead to heatstroke or even death for pets left inside vehicles on hot days.
Limit Exercise During Hot Weather
Limit exercise during hot weather as much as possible – especially strenuous activities like running or playing fetch outdoors which can cause dogs to overheat quickly due to increased body temperature from physical exertion combined with high ambient temperatures outside. Stick with short walks instead if possible!
Cool Them Off With Water or Wet Rags
If you notice any signs of overheating in your pup such as excessive panting or drooling, move them into a cool area immediately and try cooling them off with water or wet rags placed on their footpads and stomach area until they start feeling better again (make sure not to use cold water though!). You should also contact your veterinarian right away if symptoms persist after cooling down measures have been taken!
Never Cover Your Pet In Sunscreen Or Bug Spray Meant For Humans
Sunscreen and bug spray meant for humans can be toxic for pets so never apply these products directly onto their skin – opt for pet-safe versions instead which are specifically formulated for animals! Additionally, make sure not to leave bottles containing these products lying around where curious pups could get into them either!
Use Pet-Safe Insect Repellents When Necessary
Insect repellents are essential during summer months when pesky bugs like ticks and fleas are out in full force but make sure only use pet-safe versions which won’t harm Fido if ingested accidentally (or applied directly onto their skin). Talk with your vet about what type would be best suited for your particular pup before applying anything topically!
Following these tips will help ensure that both you and Fido enjoy summertime fun without putting his health at risk due to extreme temperatures outside! Just remember: provide adequate water at all times; understand the signs of overheating; don’t shave him; avoid hot surfaces; take walks during cooler hours; never leave him unattended in a car; limit exercise; cool him off with water/wet rags; never cover him in sunscreen/bug spray meant for humans; use pet-safe insect repellents when necessary – then both you AND Fido will have an enjoyable summer season together!