Northtowns Pet Blog: Don’t Underestimate Power of Summer Sun on Your Dog | Pets

When the temperature heats up we ready our wardrobes, homes and lifestyles. But you also don’t want to overlook the importance of readying your dog for hot weather. Each animal reacts differently to increased temperatures, so you’ll want to first pay attention to your dog’s response. There are some universal methods that can help your dog beat the heat.

When the temperature heats up we ready our wardrobes, homes and lifestyles. But you also don’t want to overlook the importance of readying your dog for hot weather. Each animal reacts differently to increased temperatures, so you’ll want to first pay attention to your dog’s response. There are some universal methods that can help your dog beat the heat.

Cooler collars

There are a variety of different products on the market that offer assistance is keeping your dog’s temperature down. From cooling mats to cooling collars, there are plenty to choose from depending on the size and needs of your dog. Part of keeping your canine chilled is keeping the area around his face and ear from getting too warm. Outward Hound makes a cooling bandana that velcroes around your dog’s neck, but can get a bit heavy once it is fully saturated with water. If you have a smaller dog or limited budget, you can get the same effect by dampening a bandana with cold water and tying it around your pooch’s neck.  The wet bandana can provide a cooling effect for your buddy on a walk, at play or just hanging out.

It’s all about location
If you and your canine companion are city dwellers, you must take different factors into consideration to help ease the pain of the sweltering sidewalks and radiating asphalt streets. Keep in mind your dog is much lower to the ground, and his or her body covers a greater surface area than our upright stance. With the heat absorbency of sidewalk and street materials, some days it could feel to your dog as if he were walking across burning hot coals. Since dogs sweat partly through the pads on their paws, it’s important to monitor the ground they walk upon and watch for any signs of discomfort. Your dog could repeatedly pick up each paw as if he were dancing, or lick at his paws in an effort to ease the pain. If at all possible find a cooler surface to walk on, even move to areas of shade on the sidewalk or street that haven’t had time to bake in the sun.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
You know how imperative it is to intake enough water on a hot day for you, and the same applies for your dog. You can bring along a bottle of water for your dog on walks or in general when you’re out and about. You can also fill a spray bottle with cool water and mist your pooch as the temperature or his activity level increases. If your dog won’t stop himself from playing to get water, you can intervene and make him take a ‘time-out.’ The key to keeping your canine out of heat stroke danger is making sure he doesn’t overexert himself and is drinking plenty of water; if you can’t make him drink, make him sit.

Safety First
Heat stroke and hyperthermia (overheating of the body) are serious concerns for all dog owners in climates warm enough to make you sweat.  A dog’s primary method of internal cooling is panting and heavy breathing to rid himself of excess heat, but after a certain point the dog’s own body is no longer capable of keeping him cool. You’ll most likely be able to distinguish normal hot day or hard play panting from the more urgent, rapid panting that could indicate overexertion. The red flags should start to go up however if your pup appears extra slow moving, confused or has bright red gums and tongue.  

The best way to prevent any warm weather issues with your dog is to watch their behavior closely and take the necessary precautions to avoid overexposure. If you’re hot, your dog probably is too, and the same goes for thirsty. The next cool drink of water you take, don’t forget to refill your pooch's bowl, too, and keep your spray bottle or damp bandana nearby.  It’s possible to enjoy the outdoors with your best buddy by your side, just don’t underestimate the power of the sun.

BY JENNIFER ANGEL

Laura Stauffiger is the proprietor of Laura's Critter Care, an in your home pet sitting and dog walking service in Amherst, and a member of Pet Sitters International and PetSitUSA. She also has her own small dog rescue group called Laura's Critter Care Dog Rescue.  For more information visit her website or send an Email.