- When the temperature rises, your pet will need plenty of fresh, clean water to drink.
If you are going to leave your dog outside during the day, provide him with a shallow kiddie pool filled with fresh water so he can cool off if he gets overheated. - If it's hot outside for us, imagine what it feels like being out there in a fur coat, with no ability to sweat. Make sure your dog has access to shade so he can escape the fierce summer sun and relax in cooler temperatures.
- Keep the exercise to short, brief outings when it is extremely hot, especially if your dog has a dark or thick coat, is short-nosed (boxer or pug), or overweight. If you don't want to run in the heat, chances are your dog won't want to either.
- The pavement can get very hot in the summer sun. If it's uncomfortable for us to walk barefoot, we should assume the same for our dogs. Keep paved excursions short so the paw pads do not get burned.
- The temperature in a car can escalate from comfortable to deadly in minutes--even if you are parked in the shade. Dogs can overheat, have a heat stroke and die, all while you were in the store "for just a minute."
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke when dealing with hot temperatures. Signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy panting, dull, glazed eyes, rapid pulse and excessive drooling.
If you think your dog is suffering heat exhaustion, begin to bring down his core temperature by using warm water (not cold) and dousing his coat and feet. Direct a fan at him. Apply cold towels to his head and chest. And get him to the vet immediately. Even if he seems fine, he needs to be checked out for any potential damage that might have occurred. - Sometimes, owners will opt to clip the fur off their dog to keep them cooler. If you choose to do this, remember not to clip lower than one inch, especially in fair skinned dogs. They can get sunburns too.
- With just a few easy and sensible precautions, you and your dog will be sure to have many enjoyable summers together.
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