Tips for Summer Dog Safety

Although it is not intentional, could you be hurting your dog due to lack of awareness during the summer heat? Just like humans, dogs can experience heat-related problems and illnesses but if you take precautions, everyone can relax and play happily and healthily this season. If you know how canines cope with higher temperatures you can plan ahead to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Dogs beat the heat by panting and sweating through their paws and nose to cool down and regulate their body temperature. How? As a dog breathes in, air travels through the nasal passage and cools before reaching the lungs. Be aware that short-snouted dogs have a harder time cooling down due to shorter nasal passages. Where does panting come into play? With higher heat and humidity, your dog’s heart and lungs work harder as your dog breathes in and out quicker to reduce their body temperature.


If you’re taking your dog out in warmer weather, here are some factors to remember:


Avoid hot pavement: One thing many dog owners overlook when it's sunny out is their dog's feet. Pads can be easily burned by hot pavement. Summer heat intensely warms pavements and if the pavement gets too hot it can burn your dog’s paws. Sand can also become very hot, so use this hand technique to check sandy surfaces, too. Press the back of your hand against the asphalt, concrete or sand for seven seconds to verify if it will be comfortable for your dog to walk on because if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Avoid these surfaces in the daytime or consider putting protective booties or paw wax (musher’s secret) on your dog’s paws for protection.

No sunburns allowed: The ear tips, bridge of the nose, around the eyes, and abdomen are all sensitive areas on a dog's skin. These areas have thinner skin and are more exposed. Consider purchasing a sun protector or high factor waterproof sunscreen made for dogs and whenever possible rest in the shade. If you have a white dog or one with thin hair, you should take extra precautions because they will burn more easily.



Grooming pays off in comfort: Daily grooming will help dogs shed their winter coats, making them more comfortable. Give long-haired dogs shorter summer cuts to keep them cooler. Regularly grooming your dog’s fur also allows you to check for ticks and fleas and to assure their skin and paws are in good shape.

Keep fleas and ticks away: Favored walking areas that are wooded and perhaps with long grasses are favorite hideaways for ticks and fleas. Regularly check your dog to monitor and remove ticks safely and prevent your dog from getting a parasite-related disease.

Water all around: Pack extra water for you and your dog on any excursion and make sure his or her water bowl is always filled and close by during hot weather.

Avoid water with blue-green algae: Unfortunately, a growing number of ponds, lakes and rivers become a breeding ground for blue-green algae during warmer weather. It's important to monitor waterways for unusual algae blooms and be alert to local advisories and warning signs around waterways.

Be cognizant of heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Dogs can rapidly succumb to heat stroke in hot, humid weather. Prevention is key. Avoid vigorous exercise on hot days, keep your dog hydrated, and do not leave him or her alone outside or in a warm space, especially a vehicle. However if you notice any of these signs in your dog or someone else's, they may be suffering heat stroke:

•     Vigorous panting

•     Dark red gums

•     Dry gums

•     Bloody vomiting or diarrhea

•     Lying down and unwilling or can’t get up

•     Staggering gait

•     Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

•     Thick saliva

•     Seizures

If the dog is suffering heat stroke:

•     Move the dog out of the heat.

•     Cool them off with a shower or tap water or place cool wet rags on their footpads and head.  
    Do not use ice-cold water because this can actually harm the dog further.

•     Offer the dog water but don’t force him or her to drink.

•     Call or visit the vet right away.

Note: Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat; these comprise elderly dogs; overweight dogs; and short-nosed breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, and even Staffies. Take extreme precautions with these 
breeds during summer.

A little bit of knowledge and planning goes a long way in terms of putting together a safe and wonderful summer for you and your dog. Stay cool and enjoy!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 810.522.6238 and Like us on Facebook.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).