Summer has
finally arrived and with it comes the heat and humidity that can make days
long, hot and miserable. Like us, we have to take steps to keep our doggy
friends healthy during the summer. Here are some tips to help keep your furry
friend safe and healthy this summer:
·
Water,
Water, Water!!! Always provide fresh, clean water for them. Make sure to have a
bowl outside too.
·
Don’t
EVER leave your dog unattended in a hot car!!! It can cause heat stroke or
possibly death. It is also illegal in many states including Wisconsin.
·
Have
a shady place outside for your dog to lounge away from the sun.
·
Don’t
over-exercise them in the hot weather.
·
Watch
out and know the symptoms of overheating in pets
o
Excessive
panting or difficulty breathing
o
Increased
heart and respiratory rate
o
Drooling
o
Mild
weakness or stupor or if they collapse
o
Bloody
diarrhea
o
Vomiting
o
Seizures
o
Elevated
body temperature over 104 degrees
·
Dogs
(and cats) with flat faces, elderly, overweight, and/or pets with heart and
lung diseases should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
·
When
the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog dawdle on hot asphalt. It can
burn paw pads which would cause pain to your furry friend.
·
Don’t
leave your dog unsupervised by the pool—not all dogs are good swimmers.
·
Give
your long haired dog a shorter summer ‘do but don’t shave them. Their coat is
naturally designed to keep them cool in the summer (and warm in the winter).
Make sure to have at least an inch of fur to help keep them from getting
sunburned.
o
Yes,
dogs can get sunburned. Check with your vet for a pet friendly sunscreen.
·
Make
sure your windows all have screens since dogs (and cats) like to hang out by
windows and you don’t want them to fall out.
·
If
you take your dog on the boat, consider getting a life vest to help keep him visible
and afloat especially in case of an accident.