Guest post: Summer is the time for blue skies, the shining sun, and hot, hot weather. And while us humans love to soak up the rays and feel the heat, we can’t say the same for our furry- four-legged best friends.
As a pet parent, it’s essential to be aware of the dangerous impact that the summertime heat can have on your fur babies. Serious effects like seizures, brain damage, and even comas have all been reported as a result of heat exhaustion in pets. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to keep your pets safe and cool all summer long.
In this article, we’re giving your 3 tips for cooling down your dog in the heat, so you can live your best life…with your best friend, of course!
1. Avoid hazardous conditions
One of the ways to ensure your dog’s safety is to avoid any conditions that can put your dog at an even higher risk of heat exhaustion.
Hot cars
It goes without saying to never leave your dog in a hot car unattended, even if the windows are down. The car can still reach extremely high and dangerous levels that can put your pet at risk!
Hot sun
While summer is the time to soak up the sun, try to limit your furry friend’s exposure to its hot, harmful rays. On walks, runs, and hikes, always try to stay in the shade as much as possible (and keep lots of water on hand!).
Hot pavement
Finally, even the ground you walk on can be harmful to dogs in the summertime. Before going for a walk or any outdoor activity, test the temperature on the ground with your hand: if it’s too hot for you, then it’s definitely too hot for your pup! From there, you can choose to wait for a cooler, later time for a walk or invest in paw covers for your fur baby. Not only will these protect your pup’s sensitive pads, they’re also so cute!
2. Know the signs of heat exhaustion
It’s essential to keep an eye on your pup at all times, especially in the summertime. By monitoring your pup in the sunshine, you’ll be able to identify signs of heat exhaustion and get your pet the help it needs:
- Bright, red gums
- Collapse
- Loss of balance/consciousness
- Diarrhea
- Excessive panting
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy
- Rapid heart rate
- Slow response time
- Temperature over 104 degrees
3. Research cool-down methods
If your pet is displaying any signs of heat exhaustion, cool down your dog immediately. Luckily, having some cool-down methods in your pet-parent arsenal will allow you to take action and help your pup in the summertime heat.
- Have a cool, shady space for your pet to lounge, whether that’s outside under an umbrella, or inside with the A.C. on
- Keep lots of water on deck to quench your pup’s thirst
- Use a wet towel to cool down your pet and avoid spraying cold water directly onto them
- Invest in a misting system to keep your dog cool without shocking or surprising them
- Build a puppy pool to keep your pup’s body temperature under control
- Add ice to their water bowl
- Research pup-sicle recipes to give your pet an icy, tasty treat
Summertime is best spent in the company of family and loved ones, and that includes your furry friends. So, as the sun continues to shine and the temperatures continue to rise, be sure to keep your pup cooled down, hyd