Hot Weather and How It Really Affects Your Dog
We all know summer. The outdoor activities are endless! We carry a water bottle, wear shorts and light weight clothes; Accompanied by sandals or tennis shoes to protect our feet from the warm ground. We usually grab a leash and take our furry friends along for the fun day of family activities.
What about our four legged friends needs?
I am sure we all remember a water bowl and extra bottle of water for our pets. If not, it is easy to stop by a store and grab one. There is more…. What about the proper safety accommodations for our pets needs during a summer walk?
Let’s go over a few important things to bring along and why.
First and foremost, water! Bring a gallon and preferably a cooler to keep it cool. I don’t like to drink hot water, do you? A bowl or your hand work for them to drink from. Of course there are many cute carry along, water bottles for dogs that work well also.
A cooling collar, or hand towels are important if your dog over heats. Wetting them with the cool water from your cooler, placing them on their neck and back will help cool them down quickly.
How do you avoid your fur friend getting over heated?
Take frequent breaks in the shade, offer water and have them lay down to rest. This will help bring their body temperature back down more into the normal range. If you have ice cubes with you, let them snack on a few. I have a back pack cooler that is great for summer walks.
How do you know if your pet is getting overheated?
Signs of stress from the heat include, simple signs such as trying to find shade, preferring sitting or lying down, restlessness, excessive panting, drooling or even throwing up. These symptoms need immediate attention. Seek air conditioning if close by or a shaded area. Offer cool water, cooling collar or wet towel on neck and back, and keep them still to help lower body temperature. If you have a larger towel or cooling mat, wet it with cool water and have them lay on that as well. These steps, if taken quickly will prevent Heat Stoke. Watch for confusion, excessive drooling, red, blue or purple gums, or seizures. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinarian care immediately.
What about shoes?
I am not a fan of boots or shoes for dogs unless you properly educate yourself with the pros and cons. The pros are obvious…. Dogs foot is not on hot pavement. Cons…. Paws sweat and this causes blisters due to friction, as well as yeast due to moist heat. Wearing the boots while walking on pavement is fine if you take breaks, remove the shoes so that the paw can breathe. Remember, dogs sweat through their pads.
Best lines of defense?
Your best line of defense is conditioning. Start walking during the cooler months. Short walks on mixed terrains such as dirt, grass and pavement. This helps toughen the pads slowly. You can also use a paw wax. I recommend applying the paw wax after your walk so it conditions and softens more thoroughly. Applying before the walk is almost useless due to friction and the chance of it heating up on warm surfaces.
How Hot is Too Hot?
When considering a summer walk, the outdoor air temperatures are your guide. At 85 degrees for several hours, the pavement is too hot. It can be up to 135 degrees on the pavement. Simple test is to place your hand or barefoot on the pavement for 10 seconds or so. If you walked barefoot at this temperature would you be comfortable? Would your feet blister or become red and irritated?
How to manage summer fun and safety for our Fur Kids?
Short walks that include dirt, grass and some pavement can be managed during summer heat. Keep in mind walking in the early morning or late afternoon is best for both you and your pet. No shirts or clothes… they hold in heat on their already fur covered body. Cooling collars, such as those made by BayDog are wonderful. You can submerge them in your cooler before your walk. Place them in a zip lock bag and carry along until you are taking a break to cool down. No snacks……yep, don’t feed them while taking longer walks or those in the heat. Once their body temperature goes up, so will the snacks. The last thing you need is for your pup to throw up all the water in their already over heated body.
Closing arguments?
I have only positive things to say about time spent with your dog if proper safety precautions are taken. There is nothing your dog loves more than to please you and spend time making you happy. They will literally walk on fire for you. Please don’t allow that to happen on your fun summer walks. Be the dog parent that your dog deserves by following the advice in this blog to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy!
Annette Clark
Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer
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