| p>Dogs are insulated against heat loss or gain by fur | | | | 2. Keep your dog well groomed. If he has long hair, |
| and, since they only have sweat glands on their | | | | cut it to about 1 inch long during warmer weather. Do |
| footpads, they pant in order to reduce their body | | | | not shave him down completely as it can increase |
| temperature. They exhale large volumes of air and, if | | | | the risk of sunburn. For dogs with fine, short hair, use |
| locked up in an unventilated area on a hot day, dogs | | | | a sunscreen recommended for use on animals. |
| might get heatstroke. Some other risks associated | | | | 3. When walking the dog on the streets, avoid |
| with hot weather are dehydration and sunburn. | | | | blacktop, manholes and any other metal surface. |
| To recognize when a dog is overheated, watch for | | | | These surfaces can easily scorch your dog's foot |
| the following symptoms: | | | | pads. In general, it's best to keep street walks to a |
| - profuse and rapid panting | | | | minimum as the temperature at ground level can be |
| - bright red tongue and skin (watch the inside of his | | | | substantially higher than the air temperature. |
| ears and his feet pads) | | | | 4. Exercise your dog early in the morning and late in |
| - pale gums | | | | the evening. If you take your dog to the dog run in |
| - thick, drooling saliva | | | | the afternoon, make sure he has access to water |
| - wide eyes with a glassy look | | | | and shade. Even though he might not like it (at first), |
| - a staggering gait | | | | wet his coat with cool water. He will feel refreshed |
| - dizziness and lethargy | | | | and energized. |
| - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea | | | | 5. Do not leave your dog in the car. Even if it's for a |
| Overheating can result in death, therefore one needs | | | | relatively short amount of time, the car can get very |
| to take action quickly to reduce the dogs' | | | | hot and having a window partially opened will not |
| temperature: | | | | solve this problem. |
| - move the dog to a cooler, shaded environment | | | | 6. During spring and summer, vegetation will be |
| - wet your dog's coat with cool water to lower his | | | | sprayed with fertilizers or insecticides which are |
| body temperature. If the dog has thick fur, continue | | | | poisonous for your dog. Steer clear of such areas. |
| to apply water so that the water trapped close to | | | | 7. Take your dog to the vet for his spring/early |
| the skin is not warmed by the dog's body | | | | summer check-up and have him tested for |
| - use fans to blow air on the dog | | | | heartworm. Ask your doctor to recommend a safe |
| - place ice packs or wet towels in the groin area, | | | | flea and tick control program. |
| armpits and neck | | | | 8. Like humans, when it's very hot, many dogs may |
| - offer sips of cool water if the dog will take it | | | | get grumpy. Take extra care with kids and let them |
| Brachycephalic dogs such as Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih | | | | know when enough is enough if they tease the dog |
| Tzus, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Cavalier King Charles | | | | too much. Read more about it in this very interesting |
| Spaniels require extra care. They feel the effects of | | | | article in Science Daily: Recipe For Dog Bite Injuries: |
| warm surroundings and exertion much sooner as | | | | Kids, Dogs And Warm Weather |
| they do not pant as efficiently as longer faced dogs. | | | | 9. Remove bedding from your dog's crate. If your |
| Here are 10 tips to help your doggie beat the heat | | | | dog is crated, he will surely be much more |
| and stay healthy: | | | | comfortable laying on the cool crate bottom rather |
| 1. Provide constant access to clean, fresh water. | | | | than a thick pile of blankets or towels. |
| Make sure the toilet lid stays down, or discontinue | | | | 10. If your dog's activity level decreases, make sure |
| the use of any type of cleanser or chemical that | | | | you cut down on his food. An overweight dog will |
| stays in the tank or bowl. If the dog is crated, try | | | | have a much harder time coping with hot weather. |
| switching to a water bowl that automatically refills. | | | | If you have more tips on how to make our best |
| Keep in mind that as the dog drinks more water, he | | | | friend's summer days safer and more comfortable, |
| might also need more bathroom brakes. | | | | please leave us a comment. Enjoy the summer! |