Summer Safety For Dogs

School is out for the summer and the hot weather is here. Now you have more time to be outdoors and play with your dog. The fresh air is good for your dog, but the heat isn't. The hot weather can be very harmful and could make your dog very sick.

When humans get hot, we sweat. This is our body's way of cooling off. Dogs do not sweat and the only way they try to cool off is by panting. When dogs are exposed to hot weather, panting is not enough to cool them down.

With some sensible rules, you can keep your dog cool and healthy in the summer.

Walk your dog only in the early morning or at sundown when the heat of the day is not as intense. If you do have to take your dog for a walk during the day, make it a short one and try to stay in the shade. Do not run or play with your dog because it can cause him to overheat. Save the running and playing for the early morning or late evening.

If you do have to take your dog for a walk, stay on the grass. The heat from the pavement can burn the pads on the bottom of his paws. Test the pavement with your hand. If it's too hot for your hand, it will be too hot for your dog.

Be extra careful at the beach. The sand can get hot on their paws. We know that sand can be very hot on our own feet. Find a shady spot under a tree for your dog to sit. Do not make a cover for the dog with a towel or blanket. It can get hot under there and there is no breeze.

Dogs can get nasty sunburns on their ears and nose and there is no safe sunscreen for dogs because they can lick it off.

Take a water bottle for your dog if you have to take him in the sun. Use the water to give him a drink and to squirt on his face or neck to cool him down

If you are outside with your dog during the day, stay in the shade. Sit under a tree or on a covered porch where you can get a cool breeze. You can keep him cool by sponging him with water.

Give your dog lots of cool water. Bring a water bowl outside so he can have a nice cold drink. Change the water twice a day so it stays fresh and cold. You can also add ice cubes to the dog's water to make it colder.

The copyright of the article Summer Safety For Dogs in Pets is owned by Maureen Fleury. Permission to republish Summer Safety For Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic