With Summer on our door steps and the temperatures rising we want to share with you some great ways to help keep your dog Cool this summer
Always walk your dog early in the morning before the sun comes up or later in the day at dusk.
Make sure there is a shady area during the day, especially if theyre outside in the yard.
Try to remember the pavement can be scalding and if you cant touch it with your own hand it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Try and stick to grassy areas or let them walk on the grass verge or nature strip as opposed the pavement.
Keep your house cool. Leave windows open, ceiling fans going or the A/C on.
Take a bottle of water with you on your walks and let your dog drink as you go. Take frequent breaks to allow them time to cool down. Make sure they have access to fresh, cool water when theyre in the backyard.
It’s easy to assume that just because you’re feeling comfortable, your dog is too, but dogs cannot handle the heat nearly as well as us humans, so keep an eye out and cut your walks short if their tongue is really hanging out or theyre obviously struggling.
2. Watch out for heat stroke because your dog’s normal temperature is between 100° and 103°F. If its a really hot day, a dog will start to experience heat stroke at 105°F. If the temperature reaches any higher than that organ damage is a risk.
The common signs of heat stroke are:
Panting heavily
Dry or bright red gums
Thicker drool than normal
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of balance
If you notice these symptoms, bring them inside or get them out of the heat immediately. The garage is usually a nice cool area as long as there is ventillation.
Wipe your dog down with a damp sponge or drape a cool, damp towel over the main trunk of their body. You could also use smaller hand towels for the inner thigh and stomach areas and the pads of their feet. This will help bring down their temp.
Try to get your dog to drink some cool water, Not Icy Cold!
Once your dogs temp has dropped they should feel better but if you are concerned at all please,
take them to your local vet for a check.