With temperatures warming up, many of us will spend more time outdoors with our dogs. Spending time outdoors is healthy, but requires you to take a few extra precautions due to the heat. Always keep your dog cool and well hydrated. Here are some tips to help you keep your dog cool during the summer heat:
- Limit sun exposure to your dog during the hottest times of the day
- Never leave your dog in a parked car. The temperature in a car can often be 20-40 degrees higher than the temperatures outside
- Prevent sunburn by applying sunscreen to your dog’s nose and ears. Ask your vet to recommend a suitable brand of sunscreen to use on your dog
- Test the pavement with your bare feet before taking your dog for a walk
- Limit strenuous activity to early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler
If you do need to take your dog out in the heat, carry a tub of delicious Billy & Margot Iced Treat for them to lick. Perfect for helping to keep them cool and available at Plush Pawz!
Identifying and Treating Heat Stroke
One of the greatest dangers during the summer is your dog overheating or experiencing heat stroke. It is important to know the signs and how to treat heat stroke to keep your dog safe – time is of the essence. Dogs receive a lot of media attention but please remember your cats and other pets can also overheat as well.
Here are some tips to help understand and manage heat stroke:
- Know your dog so you can recognize when an emergency arises. Know their “typical” pulse, resting heart rate and temperature. A dogs normal temperature is around 101 degrees, anything over 103 degrees is usually an emergency
- Know the signs of heat stroke. Excessive panting, drooling, rapid pulse, excessive redness in the tongue and a temperature over 103
- If your dog gets heat stroke wrap a cool, wet towel around your dog to bring down his/her body temperature. Place a cold cloth on his/her groin area and also offer ice cubes for your dog to lick. Take your dog to the vet immediately
