5 Tips For Protecting Your Dog This Summer

We all know summer can be brutal for humans, so imagine how dogs must feel in the heat. They cannot actually say, “Hey, it’s too hot for me” or “I’m not feeling well,” so it is important to protect your dog from the sun and heat. This is especially true if your dog likes to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Hydrated

First things first, you need to ensure your dog is hydrated. Keep their water bowl filled throughout the day, adding ice as needed. You can also place a water bowl outside, but it is not going to stay cold for long because of the heat. Therefore, it is important to have them come inside to drink cooler water as needed.

Learn When To Put Your Dog Outside

It is essential to learn when to put your dog outside during the summer. For example, it is best to let them play outside and take walks in the morning and evening because the sun is not as hot.

The heat starts rising at noon and is at its hottest around 3 pm. If your dog absolutely needs to go outside during those hours, be sure to get them back inside as soon as possible. You also want to provide a shady area with trees, a dog house, or even an umbrella or some tarp.

Check The Temperature of The Pavement

There is a trick for checking the pavement to determine if it is too hot for your dog. All you need to do is place your hand or bare foot on the pavement for five seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog’s paws, and it is not an ideal time to take them outside.

You can always keep them active with indoor activities and toys, and be sure to bring them right back inside if they need to do their business.

Never Leave Your Dog Inside A Parked Vehicle

It is important to never leave your dog inside a parked vehicle. The temperature rises quickly in a car, and it can get as high as 110 degrees in less than an hour. Can you imagine how miserable and dangerous that is for yourself, let alone your precious pup? Even with the windows cracked, your dog can still suffer from distress… or worse.

If you need to run an errand after their veterinarian or grooming appointment, ask someone to come with you and sit with your dog while the car and air conditioner are running. Otherwise, it is best to take your dog home or save the errands for later. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Pay Attention To Signs of Heat-Related Issues

Even if you have taken every precaution possible, it is still essential to pay attention to signs of heat-related issues in your dog. The signs include excessive panting, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, stumbling, and seizures, but it is best to research and save a list of ALL the warning signs.

If you notice any of these signs, contact the veterinarian or animal hospital immediately to ensure there is not any permanent damage. You never want to risk your dog’s health and well-being.

Protect Your Dog From Heat-Related Stress This Summer

The hot days of summer can be dangerous for anyone if proper precautions are not taken, including your dog and other pets. This is why it is important to keep your dog cool and ensure they are not suffering from any heat-related illnesses.

If you keep the above tips in mind, you can create an enjoyable, safe summer for you and your beloved dog.

I previously published this story on another platform. You can find the link to the original version here: https://medium.com/@tammys_85/5-tips-for-protecting-your-dog-this-summer-f7a0b3c6ab7a