How To Prepare Your Dog For Summer
Summer is fast approaching, and the temperatures are on the rise. Living in Florida, we have to watch the heat year round. Here are five tips on keeping your dog cool and safe:
1. Morning walks
We walk and work the dogs at 7am during the summer. The temperature is cooler and the roads and sidewalks are not hot yet. Be sure to stick to shaded areas when doing activities outside.
2. Protect paws
We build up Arrow’s paw pads by having him walk on pavement and sidewalks year round. If he just got house and yard time, his paws would be soft and he couldn’t last as long on pavement. When he is going to be on the pavement in the heat, he wears dog booties.
3. Plenty of water
Hydrate your dog and make sure your dog has access to water whenever outside. If your dog does not want to drink, try dropping some meat in the water bowl to encourage your dog to drink their fill. Remember to use room temperature water, not cold water.
4. Wet down
Wet down the groin area, underbelly, chest, then the rest of your dog. There are cooling vests available, you can use wet towels, or you can get a doggie pool for your dog to chill in. Remember to use room temperature or cool water, not cold water.
5. Don’t shave
We do shave Zoe down, as she has skin issues and if we don’t, the skin issues develop. However, do not shave down your double coated breed (siberian husky, german shepherd). Their coat acts like insulation and protects their skin from the sun. Plus. they won’t like summer anyway.
Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion/stress/stoke, which include (but not limited to):
Panting
Dehydration
Excessive drooling
Increased body temperature (above 103F)
Red gums and moist tissues of the body
Small amounts of urine, or no urine
Rapid heart rate
Irregular heart beats
Shock
Vomiting blood
Blood in stool
Black, tarry stools
Changes in mental state
Seizures
Muscle tremors
Wobbly, uncoordinated, or drunken gait or movement
Unconsciousness
Risk factors include:
Age extremes, very young or very old dogs
Heat intolerance
Obesity
Poor health
Short-nosed, flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
Thick hair and coat
Dehydration
