By: Elaine Poulin, M.Ed, CPT
Founder/Owner, Carolina Dog Training, LLC and Trained By Elaine™
Everywhere we turn, someone has something to say about the heat as temperature records hit all time triple digits. Of course, I have to put my two cents in and mention a few facts and tips to keep your pups safe from these soaring, scalding temperatures!
Dogs regulate their body temperatures by panting through their mouths and sweating from the pads of their feet. Therefore, cool water for drinking AND dipping foot pads into help bring down body temperatures. I usually fill a kiddie pool with a few inches of water for the dogs to step into before and after outings during the coolest times of day. Hosing down the dogs helps too! Walks are on shady sidewalks, grass or dirt paths and NEVER on blacktops. Large dogs and dogs with short noses like Bulldogs and Pugs are especially prone to heat exhaustion and stroke. When our 120 pound Board/Trainee Newfoundland Bettis returns with the pack from even a short outing, he wears a cool neck wrap held in place with a snap closure. There are different types of wraps such as this one from Pet Edge – http://www.petedge.com/product/Total-Pet-Health-Hot-Cold-Therapy-Wraps/53999.uts
Also important to remember is that your car insulates heat. So, if the outdoor temperature is 85 degrees and it’s cloudy outside and you’ve got two windows open about 1 inch each – your indoor car temperature will soar to 108 degrees after only 10 MINUTES!
Preventing heat exhaustion or stroke is key to keeping your pups safe in the dead of this summer’s heat. Avoid the hottest times of day to take Fido even for short walks, provide plenty of cool water in cool well-ventilated areas and keep dog crates away from direct sunlit windows.
Exercising your pups is important but not at the expense of safety. So, alternatives to a hot walk are a visit to the lake, a short, shady early morning hike and, provided your pup has been trained by a professional – a trot on the treadmill!
Remember, that these dog days of summer are temporary. Before we know it, we’ll be complaining about the freezing temperatures!
Have a great summer and stay cool!