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Contributors

Claudia Black-Kalinsky
CPDT-Ka / Owner
Train This Dog
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Lisa Scarbrough
Founder/Director
Coastal Pet Rescue
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David Adams
PhD, MPH, MSc
Department of Health Sciences, AASU

 

In the Good Old Summertime: Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

by David Adams

May 01, 2013

Summer will be here soon and, with it, hot weather. Although summer brings barbeques, lazy days in the sun, and vacations for people, it also brings potential hazards for our pets. Here are a few tips to keep them safe during the summer months.

1) Visit the Vet: The ASPCA recommends a springtime visit to the vet. As the weather begins to warm up, mosquitoes emerge from their winter’s nap. It is very important to make sure your dog is up-to-date on its heartworm medication. If your dog is not on year-round heartworm regimen, then spring is the time to have your dog tested.

2) Made in the Shade: Make sure your dog has somewhere to stay cool. Shady spots and fresh water are must-haves; dogs can become just as dehydrated as people. If you think it’s too hot to be outside, then imagine how Fido feels. Staying indoors is always a safe bet in extreme heat and humidity.
The signs of heatstroke in dogs are easy to spot. Be alert for excessive panting, breathing difficulties, rapid pulse, disorientation, and lethargy, primary signs of an overheated dog. Collapse, seizures, and bloody diarrhea may follow. Some flat-faced breeds are at increased risk for heatstroke. If your dog is overweight, then it is best to keep him indoors, out of the heat.

4) Don’t Park the Pooch: Whether it is hot or cold outside, do not leave animals in a parked car. Not only is it illegal in some states, it is unspeakably cruel. When the weather is hot, parked cars—even with the windows down—can become doggy deathtraps.

5) Dog Paddling: Not all dogs can swim like a Lab. It is best to acclimate your dog slowly to the water. If you take them boating, put a floatation device on them. After a swim, be sure to rinse your dog in order to remove residual chlorine or salt. Don’t let your dog drink pool water; the chlorine may upset his tummy.

6) Careful Screening: Carefully secure household window screens. Pets can easily dislodge loose-fitting ones and take a tumble. Better yet, be sure to close unscreened windows or doors.

7) Summertime Style: Summer is a perfect time to treat your dog to a trim—not a shave. Fur provides protection against sunburn. If you apply sunscreen or insect repellant, be sure that the product is for use on animals.

8) Could You Fry an Egg on It? Streets and sidewalks can become extremely hot when the weather warms up. Avoid walking the dog on asphalt and concrete. Grass is a better bet to spare Fido from a bad case of hotfoot. Close to the ground, your dog’s body easily absorbs excess heat from outdoor surfaces.

9) Better Living through Chemistry? Some household items can prove pet-poisonous. The adage, “Keep out of reach of children,” applies equally to pets. Carefully store rat poisons, weed killers, bug repellants, and insecticides. When walking your dog, avoid areas where insecticides have been applied.

10) Party on, Garth! Summer is high season for barbeques. Remember that alcohol, raisins, grapes, onions, and chocolate are toxic to Rover.

11) Fireworks, the Fourth, and Fido: Never ignite fireworks around your pets. Not only can the noise frighten them, smoldering fireworks can cause severe burns to humans and pets alike. Fireworks also often contain nitrates, chlorates, and arsenicals, toxic to canines and people alike.

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