Dogs love being outdoors! They love running, playing, and exploring, especially when warm. After all, isn't that why many of us love dogs? With their incredible sense of smell and natural love for being outside, dogs become even happier when we take them on adventures to new places.
However, hot weather poses unique challenges for dogs that their human friends might not have to think about quite so much. After all, you know how uncomfortable humans get if they spend too much time in the heat. The same rules apply to dogs as well!
This blog post will go over some important dog summer safety tips to keep your beloved pooch happy and healthy during the hotter months of the year!
Dog Summer Hazards
Hot Asphalt
Did you know that dogs can get just as hot from standing on the ground as we do? When it's scorching, asphalt can reach temperatures of 140 degrees F in just one hour.
It's essential to stay aware of this when your dog is outside. If you see that there are no shady areas or grassy patches nearby, have your dog walk (or run!) over to a shaded area or bring them indoors.
Hot Car
In the summer, heat is a major concern for dogs. Heatstroke can be a fatal issue for some dogs. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if left in unattended vehicles in the summer heat. When temperatures outside reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there for an extended period, even healthy dogs could succumb to the heat.
Dehydration
Dogs can quickly get dehydrated from playing and running around in the summer heat. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water at all times. You should also be aware of how much water your pet drinks during sweltering days – some dogs drink more water when it's hotter than usual, while others might drink less.
Heatstroke
As we mentioned, the heat poses a unique danger for dogs. Dogs don't have sweat glands, so their body temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels. One of the most common dangers for dogs in hot weather is heat stroke.
Dogs can only cool themselves off by heavy panting, but if it's too hot outside, they might not be able to keep up with the evaporation that's necessary for cooling. A dog's normal body temperature is around 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, and anything above 103 degrees Fahrenheit can develop heat stroke.
Insect Bites
Insects are drawn to the heat, and because dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, insects will more readily bite them. Mosquitoes are a prime example of an insect that enjoys biting warm-blooded mammals. For dogs, mosquito bites can lead to skin irritation, painful swelling, and even secondary infections that may cause fever, weakness, or difficulty breathing.
Garden Plants
For those of us who love to grow gardens, the warmer months present many great opportunities for planting! However, that doesn't mean you should plant near your dog's favorite lounging spot. Just as a garden is filled with potential hazards for dogs, so are plants in your own backyard.
Summer Traveling
By Plane
If you're traveling with your pup this summer, keep in mind that some airlines will only allow certain breeds of dogs to fly. If you plan on flying with your dog this summer, check the airline's pet policy before you book your flight to make sure they allow the type of dog you own. A kennel is one of the best ways to transport your pet safely and securely in the cabin of an airplane.
By Car
When traveling with your dog in a car, you should keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, keep your dog hydrated at all times by carrying water with you. If you know there will be long stretches of time where your dog will be out of the car in the heat, it's important to bring water with you to give them fresh water on the go. It is not advisable to drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck because hot metal can burn paws quickly.
By RV
Many people enjoy taking their dogs on trips in an RV or a car. One of the best ways to do this is by purchasing a travel crate that can fit in the back of your vehicle. This will allow your pup plenty of space to stretch and lay down while riding inside.
Furthermore, you should bring lots of water and food for your dog -- especially if you're going on a long trip for summer fun and need to refuel. Another important tip involves keeping a close eye on how much time your pup spends outdoors every day and how they respond to it.
Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe
1. Provide Plenty of Water and Shade
It's important to keep your dog well hydrated. To avoid heatstroke, owners should ensure their pets have plenty of cool water and shade throughout the summer months.
Dogs are also susceptible to sunburn if they spend too much time in the sun, so make sure they wear a collar with a reflective tag or light-colored bandana on hot days. You can also trim the fur on your pet but do not shave. Be sure to leave a full inch of hair to protect your pet's skin from sunburns.
2. Protect Their Paws From Hot Pavement
One of the most common dangers facing our canine friends during the summer is hot pavement. The ground underfoot can reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause them to suffer from burns and other painful foot injuries.
To keep your dog's sensitive paw pads safe, consider investing in a pair of doggy boots
Walkee Paws are a new solution to overcome the pain point s with regular dog shoes.
Walkee Paws are the world’s first all-in-one dog boot leggings designed to be the “better bootie” and provide worry-free walks. Unlike traditional dog boots that slip off mid-walk and are tight around your dog’s ankles, Walkee Paws’ patented design connects over the back, so they’re easier to put on and comfy to wear. They feature waterproof rubber soles to protect your pooch from all the ruff stuff outside and ...all four leggings connect together—so you’ll never lose a dog boot again!
You can also help by keeping your dog's walks shorter and slowing down your pace to ensure they don't overheat. Additionally, you can also apply ice cubes to keep your dog's paws cool.
3. Consider a Life Vest
One of the most important tips for dog summer safety is to get your pup a life vest. While many dogs are excellent swimmers, not all dogs know how to swim or may be trying out new waters.
Just because dogs instinctively know how to swim, that doesn't mean that they're good swimmers. For example, some dogs may have never been in the ocean before. In this case, it's important to have a life vest on hand and to supervise when swimming in deeper water.
4. Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Just as in humans, the symptoms of heat stroke can range from mild to life-threatening. The most common signs are heavy panting, increased heart rate, bright red gums, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. If you suspect that your pup may be experiencing heat stroke:
- Call their veterinarian or emergency line immediately and ask for the appropriate medical prescriptions
- Move them to a cool place – inside or outside – and provide water if they're conscious
- Apply cold packs or ice packs to their groin and armpits
- Don't give them any food or water; it could make things worse
- Wet your pet's coat with cold water
5. Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
One of the most important ways to keep your pet safe during the dog days of summer is to never leave them in a car, no matter how brief. The heat from just sitting in a parked car can be fatal for your pup, so don't take any chances!
Even if you're running a quick errand and your pet is in the car, their temperature can rise rapidly. They could overheat within a very short time. If you need to take your furry friend with you, have another person stay with them in the car and keep the air conditioning running.
Final Thoughts
It's important to remember your dog's needs before heading out for a long walk in the sun. Keep your dog hydrated, shade them from the heat with a cooling collar or vest, and limit their time outside when it's too hot. Remember that dogs don't sweat like humans do, so they need extra water to stay cool. It's also important to check with your vet to ensure nothing is wrong with your furry friend before going on any excursions in hot weather.
Keep your pet hydrated by providing them with access to clean and fresh water inside the house. Have a bottle ready for your furry companions when you go outside, just like you do for yourself! Consider changing to wet dog food during hot months to increase fluid intake. Provide shade as often as possible so that they're not in direct sunlight.