Hot Weather Safety Tips for Dogs in The Summer

Texas summers can be brutal, we have all experienced that. But summer is also the perfect time for new adventures and getting outside. Of course, you’ll want to take your dog with you, let them swim in the river or go with you on a walk in the park. But dogs can be affected by the heat faster than we can, If it is hot for you, it is definitely hot for your furry friend. Here are some tips to help your pup in the summer, to assure that they are healthy and safe.

• Make your plans for the cooler parts of the day. Usually before 10am or after 6pm.
• If the asphalt, concrete, or sand is too hot for the back of your hand after 5 seconds, it is definitely too hot for your pup to be walking on. Always check the temperature of the ground you are walking on before you let your dog walk on it.
• Never leave your dog in the car unattended. Even if the windows are cracked, it can get extremely hot in the car, and can cause your dog to have a heat stroke or other severe problems.
• Make sure you have a cool shaded area for your pup to cool off wherever you go. When you can tell that your dog is overheating, move to a cool shaded spot. Give your pup water and allow them time to cool off before continuing on your adventure.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended while they are swimming. While your dog might seem like a strong swimmer, everyone gets tired eventually. Make sure to be by your pup’s side when they are swimming at all times.
• Limit exercise on hot days. On the hot days, get your pups to exercise in early in the morning or later in the afternoon, or inside.
• Keep your dog cool inside and out. As well as letting your pup cool down in the shade or inside, try making them some DIY dog popsicles. And always have water for your dog on hot days.
• Prepare for outages. In the case of a power outage in the summer, make sure you have backup plans to keep your dog cool.

When out on hot summer days, it is always important to watch your pup closely to look for signs of dehydration and heatstroke. If you notice that your dog seems dehydrated, stop in a cool spot and give them water immediately. Sometimes, giving water is not enough, they need electrolytes. Try Pedialyte or an electrolyte replacement solution. Talk to your vet about dosage information.

Some signs of dehydration include:

• Panting
• Thick saliva
• Lethargy
• Dry nose and gums
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of elasticity in the skin

Early stages of heatstroke:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Difficult time maintaining balance
• Rapid breathing

Advance states of heatstroke:

• While or blue gums
• Unwilling to move
• Uncontrollable urination
• Labored and noisy breathing
• Shock

Heatstroke is very serious and can be fatal if not helped. There are signs of early stages and advanced stages. If you are seeing signs of early stages, do everything to cool your pup down immediately. If you are noticing advanced stages, cool your pup while taking them to an animal hospital.