With record high temperatures hitting the west coast and a heat wave here on the east coast, it’s important to remember some safety tips in summer for your pooch.
Heat Concerns
I know my dog loves to lay in the sun. My old dog loved to lay on the hot pavement. These can cause major health problems. Long periods of sun exposure can cause overheating, skin cancer, and other health issues.
1. Find some shade for your dog to lay in!!
2. If you are hanging outside for a while with your dog, provide a bowl of water.
3. A small swim pool could be fun and a great way for your dog to cool off!
4. Don’t leave your dog outside in a dog house-it will overheat and trap hot air.
It gets very hot outside. I read somewhere that you should take your shoes off on a hot day and leave your feet on the pavement for a few seconds. If your feet burn, your dog’s feet will burn…don’t take them out on the asphalt or pavement then.
5. Take your dog for a walk in the early morning or evening, when it is cooler.
6. DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR!!
7. Since dogs are outside more often in the summer, make sure your dog has some kind of tick/flea preventative.
8. Keep your dog away from poisonous flowers/plants and chemically treated lawns.
9. Know the signs of heatstroke:
Early Signs:
-Heavy panting
-Bright red tongue and gums
-Fast breathing
-Having trouble balancing
Advanced Signs:
-Shock
-White/Blue gums
-Lethargy
-Uncontrollable urination or defecation
-Noisy breathing
Hopefully you have a fun and safe summer with these tips, but if you are worried your dog may have heatstroke you should do the following steps…
If your dog has signs of advanced heatstroke-take them to the vet immediately.
If your dog shows early signs try to cool your dog down:
-Give them ice chips to chew
-Hose them with cool water
-Apply ice packs to the groin area
When your dog’s temperature is between 100-102, stop trying to cool your dog down, they are stabilized.
Apprehensive Oreo 