Keeping Dogs Cool & Safe This Summer

Dogs regulate their body temperatures by panting through their mouths and sweating from the pads of their feet.

Here are a few tips for keeping your beloved pups safe and cool this summer:

• Cool water for drinking AND dipping foot pads help bring down body temperatures. I usually fill a kiddie pool or large bowl 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.
• Remember 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!

Dogs with short noses like Bulldogs and Pugs are especially prone to heat exhaustion and stroke. This is because their nasal cavities are so short:

Large breed or double coated dogs such as Newfoundland and Huskies also require extra care. Apply a cool neck wrap held in place with a snap closure. There are different types of wraps such as the one listed below.

Preventing heat exhaustion or stroke is key to keeping your pups safe. 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 a trot on the treadmill!

Have a Safe Summer and stay cool!

Woof! Elaine