Summer may be drawing to a close, but a lot of us are still seeing some very hot days. If you have a dog, keeping them cool should be a priority as you wait for the milder temps of autumn. Here are some ways to ensure your pet stays safe:
Make sure the house is cool
Before you head off to work or whatever else you have going on, make sure the house is cool enough for your dog. Keep your AC running or at least a fan in the room your dog hangs out in. Leave a bowl or two of fresh water, depending on how long you’ll be gone.
Go for walks when it’s cool outside
Dogs love their walks, but it can be miserable for both of you if you go during the hottest part of the day. In the summer, the coolest time will be in the early morning or evening. Bring water with you, too, just to be safe.
Avoid hot asphalt
Dogs have very sensitive paws and a hot pavement can burn them. Before you go out, touch the asphalt. If it feels too hot for your hand, it’s going to be too hot for your pup. Walk on the grass or invest in some dog booties or summer socks. You can find some at Petsmart, Amazon, and other stores that sell pet products.
If your dog is outside, make sure there’s water and shade
If your dog is another like mine, he loves to just sit outside and smell all the smells. On hot, sunny days, make sure there’s shade from a tree or the house (not a dog house) for your dog. If he gets too hot, he has a place to go to cool down. He should also have his water dish.
Keep long hair trimmed
Dogs with long hair may have an especially hard time staying cool in the summer. Keep them trimmed if that’s the best move (some dogs’ long hair actually keeps them cool in the summer in addition to warm in the winter) or at least keep their hair neat and clean.
Be familiar with signs of overheating
You should know what overheating looks like in your dog. Odds are, she will be panting very heavily; drooling; acting weak or agitated; and/or have a dark or red-colored gums and tongue. If you see these symptoms, get her cooled down as soon as possible.
