With the warmer months quickly approaching now is a good time to remember that dogs can also be vulnerable to hot weather. Like their human companions, dogs, too, can experience over heating, dehydration, sunburn and the other conditions of too much heat and sun. Unlike humans who are able to sweat through their skin quite freely, dogs are only able to cool themselves off by panting. Moreover, dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet. So imagine how warm they can get on a hot day? Continue reading to learn how you can keep your dog safe this spring and summer when the temperature starts to go up.
Water
This might seem obvious as a pet parent but making sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water is very important during hot and humid weather. Keep a bowl in the house and make sure to have fresh water with you for walks and whenever you leave your home with your dog. Keeping a small dish in the car or a collapsable water bowl with you on walks is very helpful.
Don’t leave your dog in the car
Never leave your dog in the car during warm weather. It can get up to 120 degrees in a car even with a cracked window. Also, there is no guarantee that air conditioning is going to keep your pup comfortable in an idling car. As a general rule of thumb, it is never safe to leave your pup alone in a car.
Sunscreen
Despite all that fur, your dog can still get sunburn and it can be just as uncomfortable as it would be for a human. Peeling, skin that is hot to touch, blisters can all happen to the skin of a dog that has been overexposed to the sun. Fortunately, there are sun protection products on the market especially for your four-legged canine companion. Make sure to pay special attention to the tips of your dog’s ears, nose and around his mouth.
Smart walks
During the warmer months, try and take your dog out for her daily walks either in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is lower. Also make sure that where she is being walked the pavement and sidewalk are not too hot as it is easier for your pooch to burn the pads of her feet if the pavement has been baking in the sun. Also remember to bring some water for both you and your dog!
Water play
Plunging into a cool lake or other body of water might seem like a great way to cool off on a hot day and although most dogs technically know how to swim, that does not mean all dogs are great swimmers. Pay close attention to your dog’s breed, stamina as well as previous experience in the water. It is not hard for a dog unfamiliar with water to get overwhelmed and not be able to handle it. There are dog-friendly swimming pools and swimming lessons available that might workout for pup.
