[caption id="attachment_50091" align="alignleft" width="200"] Photo: Erin F.[/caption]
As warmer, humid summertime temperatures approach, it’s important to remember that dogs are vulnerable to injuries and illnesses related to hot weather including heat stroke, sunburn, and foot pad burns. It is a good idea to reacquaint yourself with proper precautions that can be taken as the temperature rises.
It seems like common sense, but it may surprise you to know that according to weather.com, 11 police dogs died of heat related illness just last summer.
What can a pet parent do to be proactive about keeping his pet safe? Follow Penn Vet's tips to keep your pets healthy and cool.
Prevention Tips
- Don't Linger: When the temperature is high, don't let your dog stay on hot surfaces like asphalt and cement. Keep walks to a minimum.
- Groom: Give your dog a lightweight summer haircut to prevent overheating, remembering that a dog needs one-inch of protection to avoid sunburn.
- Fresh Water: Provide access to fresh water at all times. Be sure to provide shade and cool water to outside dogs.
- Limit Exercise: Restrict exercise and do not muzzle dogs because this inhibits their ability to pant.
- Lower Temperatures: Use wading pools or sprinklers to bring down your dog's body temperature.
- Car Trips: Never leave your dog in a parked car! It doesn't matter if you park in the shade or plan to be gone for only a few minutes. The temperature inside of a car can reach oven-like temperatures in just minutes, often in excess of 140 degrees. That quick errand can turn into a disaster and could be fatal for your pet.
Remember to stay alert on these steamy days and watch for signs that your pet may be overheating. Stop by Braxton’s to check out the array of pet cooling supplies like this K9 Cooler by My Kool Dog – A perfect way to carry cool water on a hot summer day.