Friday, June 21st, was officially the first day of Summer! For humans, that means no school, more time with friends, going to the beach, and basically not having a care in the world. However, for our beloved Dogs, Summer can mean the risk of heatstroke and burnt paws if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Here are 5 tips we recommend learning to keep your Dog cool for the summer!
1. Never leave your Dog in the car!
As convenient as it may feel to leave little Fido in the car while you run into Starbucks for a cup of coffee, be aware that leaving your fur baby in the car can lead to the risk of heatstroke.
The Humane Society notes that on an 85-degree day, a car with its windows partially rolled down reaches 102 degrees in only 10 minutes. To avoid this, bring Fido inside with you, or leave him at home!
2. Before you go on a Walk, Check the Pavement!
On hot Summer days, one of the most important things to do is to check the pavement before taking your fur baby on a walk. While it may seem like going on a walk would be beneficial to them, it could do more harm than good if the pavement temp is too high.
To determine if the pavement temperature is safe, we recommend following the “7 Second Rule”. Place the back of your hand on the pavement, and if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your Dogs’ paw pads. The same goes for fake grass of any kind.
3. Make DIY Cold Summer Treats!
Making homemade cold treats for your Dog can be fun for you, and delicious for your dog. There are also tons of dog-safe recipes that can be yummy for humans too, so the entire family can enjoy them. One recipe we recommend is a “Watermelon & Blueberry Pupsicle!”
These can be made in 4 simple steps:
1.Blend fresh watermelon (be sure to use a strainer to get rid of the seeds).
2. Pour the remaining juice in an ice cube tray or popsicle molds.
3. Add a few blueberries! Blueberries are on the list of “Superfoods” for dogs and provide a fun texture when frozen.
4. Freeze & Enjoy!
4. Consider Giving your Dog a Summer Haircut!
Long-haired Dogs are fortunate to have their luscious locks keep them extra warm in the winter, however, that long coat can be too hot for the Summer months! Consider taking him or her to the groomer for a Summer trim.
5. Know the Signs of Heatstroke!
Knowing the signs of heatstroke can help prevent any serious damage. Symptoms of heatstroke sometimes appear several days after the incident, so while you might not think the symptoms are related, they very well might be. Be sure to watch out for:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your Dog, move him or her to a cool area right away, provide cold water, and contact your veterinarian.
We hope this article was helpful. Please share any other tips and tricks for keeping your Dog cool in the comments below!
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