The hottest days of the year are upon us, and we know that keeping your dog cool while making sure they get their daily exercise can be tricky. We’ve put together some of our top safety tips to keep in mind as you care for your furry friend during the summer season.
Walks should be taken early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest times of day
As the sun beats down, pavement heats up quickly. If your dog is exposed to asphalt that is too hot, they can experience pain and burns on their paws. An easy method for determining whether or not it’s too hot outside to take your pup for a walk is through the use of the five-second rule. Simply set the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you are unable to hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for a walk. 1
Bring a collapsible water bowl with you on your walk
Keeping your dog well-hydrated is extremely important for their health, especially when they are being active in higher temperatures. An easy way to ensure their hydration is by carrying a light-weight, collapsible water bowl with you on your walk. These bowls are great for on-the-go pups since they can be easily packed and come in a variety of sizes.
Let your pup take a dip in the pool, or spray them down with some cold water before and after walks
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a pool – you can still get your dog wet to cool them down before and after walks. Easy ways to do this include using a spray bottle filled with chilled water, letting your pup run through a set of sprinklers or laying out a cool, wet towel for them to lay on to avoid getting overheated.
Purchase booties for your dogs to protect their paws
A great way to keep your dog safe is through purchasing a set of dog booties. These are typically an inexpensive way to avoid harm to your pet’s paws and provide protection from heated concrete, as well as various terrains. Not only will your pup be safe and happy, but they can strut their stylish shoes too!
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Heat strokes in dogs are very dangerous and can lead to organ dysfunction, so it’s crucial for owners to be familiar with the signs. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs include excessive panting, large amounts of drool from the mouth and/or nose, reddened gums, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeats, vomiting blood and production of only small amounts of urine or none at all. 2 Make sure to pay attention and check for these signs, especially during the warmer seasons. If you are concerned your dog is experiencing a heat stroke and you notice any of the symptoms, it’s best to bring your dog indoors immediately, help them cool off with a fan, wet their paws with cool water and offer them water to drink. While trying to help your pup cool down, make sure to never immerse them fully in water or an ice bath. This tactic will cause your dog’s temperature to rapidly drop and become potentially too low. Once you’ve taken these steps, it’s best to transport them to the veterinarian immediately – even if they seem to be recovering, as the effects of heatstroke often are not immediate and are subtle, but very serious. 3
Set your dog up for success with organic, human-grade dog food
Many of the common dog foods on the market not only lack the appropriate nutrition your dog needs, but can actually make conditions worse for them. Over 70 percent of dogs that eat dry kibble live in a constantly dehydrated state. When you switch your dog to a wholesome, balanced diet, they can experience better body function, higher energy levels and so much more – including proper hydration!
At Wag Tantrum, helping you raise a healthy, happy animal is our mission. You love your dog, so we want to help keep them around for as long as possible. These tips combined with a nutritious, healthy dog food will keep your pup’s tail waggin’ all summer long.