More Tips On Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer
With the rising temps and scorching sun, people are scrambling to stay cool, but what about man’s best friend? Keeping your pet cool during these unbearably hot summer days should be every pet owner’s priority.
All responsible pet owners should be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion, which is brought on by a dog’s inability to regulate its body temperature by panting. A dog‚Äö√Ñ√¥s internal temperature is normally between 101-102 degrees. If your pup‚Äö√Ñ√¥s temp rises just three degrees, he is in trouble because he can no longer regulate the rising temperature of his body, and the situation can disintegrate quickly. Once a dog‚Äö√Ñ√¥s body temp is at 108, permanent damage is inevitable, so be watchful of your pet‚Äö√Ñ√¥s behavior. Some signs that your pup is in trouble are:
-Rapid breathing
-Heavy panting
-Excessive salivation or dry mouth and nose
-Dull grayish pink gums
-Fatigue (not wanting to move)
-Muscle tremors
-Staggering
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, remove the pup from the sun, try and give your pet small sips of water, and call your veterinarian immediately.
Dogs Especially Prone to Heat Exhaustion:
Snub-nosed dogs are less able to regulate their body temps due to poor panting mechanisms. If you happen to have a snub-nosed dog, be extra careful to keep your pup cooled off. Here is a list of puppies to watch carefully for symptoms of heat exhaustion:
-Boxers
-Bulldogs
-Pugs
-Boston Terriers
-Lhasa Apsos
-Shih-tzus
Here are some helpful hints on beating the heat and keeping your dog cool:
-Your pup must have access to cool fresh water at all times and a shady place to get out of the sun.
-Only walk your dog early in the morning or after the sun has gone down. This is not only because it is hot, but because the sidewalks get so warm they can burn the pads of your pooch’s paws. The rule of thumb should be that if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot on, then it is too hot for your pet as well.
-NEVER leave your pet in a car with the windows up. If you must travel with your pet, bring lots of water for your pet to drink, and either leave the windows completely down for air circulation, or turn the air conditioner on. The temperature inside the car can rise as much as 34 degrees every minute!
-Keep your pet out of the sun if it has short or little hair because just like people, dogs get sunburns.
-If your furry friend loves to ride in the back of your truck, check the temperature of the bed because the surface can heat up fast and burn your pet’s paws and rear.
-Get a sprinkler or small plastic pool for your pet to play and cool off with, but make sure to change the water in a pool frequently to avoid creating a mosquito larvae haven.
As a pet owner it is your responsibility to look after your pets and make sure they are hydrated and cool. Just remember that your pooch looks to you for his care and well being. As long as you remember these helpful hints and warning signs, you and your dog should have a great and healthy summer!
The above information came from the following sources:
“Dogs and Hot Weather” by Judy Hedding
“Heatstroke in Dogs” by Krista Mifflin
“Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat” by Krista Mifflin