Summer Safety Tips For Dogs

Posted by Hot Dog Collars on 04/08/14 8:00 PM

The weather is turning, no really it is, and there are some surprising facts about keeping your dog safe in the Summer. After all, if you had on a fur coat and couldn't sweat, how would you feel in the mid July sun?

Check out these tips to keep your doggies safe:

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN AN UNATTENDED CAR! It's just not safe no matter what you do, say, or think

Know the signs of heat stress including excessive and/or rapid panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums and/or tongue, inability to balance or struggle to maintain balance, and unusual malaise or fatigue. You know you dog the best so trust your instincts

Dog houses are not appropriate Summertime shelters. They actually trap heat and depending on how they're built, act like a convection oven!

WATER, WATER, WATER - Always provide plenty of fresh, clean, cool water for drinking, playing, and splashing

Asphalt and Sand can burn your dogs paws if they're exposed to it for a prolonged period of time

Bugs - fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and the like - Coordinate an appropriate treatment, medication, or regimen to avoid the nastiness that can be caused by these buggers. HA, puns!

Most importantly, if your dog starts to display any signs of heatstroke, or if you are concerned about their well being, please take these steps:

Hose down with water or place in a cool bath tub (NOTE, not cold water)

Apply ice to groin and head

Let the dog lick ice chips or drink a cool water (again NOTE, not cold water)

Massage the dogs legs to encourage circulation

An internal temperature of between 100 and 102 indicates that the cooling down process is working and you can cease any of those activities.

MOST OF ALL - Call your vet or local emergency clinic. Have the dog checked out even if they seem to have recovered. Heat stroke can cause unseen neurological, renal, and circulatory issues