SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Hot weather can make us
all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Keep the following
safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep
your dog cool.
Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside
on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good
shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's
wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in
a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over
100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
Always provide plenty of
cool, fresh water.
Avoid strenuous exercise
on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the
sun's heat is less intense.
Try to avoid prolonged
exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.
Dogs that are
brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and
Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as
efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with
air-conditioning.
General Health
Make sure your dog's
vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer
and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.
Keep dogs off of lawns
that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to
package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.
Keep your dog
well-brushed and clean.
Fleas and ticks, and the
mosquitoes which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months.
Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off
your dog.
Beach Tips
Make sure your dog has a
shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.
Dogs, especially those
with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's
exposure during the day and apply sun block to his ears and nose 30 minutes
before going outside.
Check with a lifeguard
for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.
Running on the sand is
strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or
ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.
Do not let your dog
drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.
Salt and other minerals
in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the
day.
Not all beaches permit
dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.
Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy
swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of
your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.
If you're swimming for
the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling
his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another
experienced dog he is friendly with.
Never throw your dog
into the water.
If your dog begins to
paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should
quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don't let your dog overdo
it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.
If swimming at the
ocean, be careful of strong tides.
If you have your own
pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure
that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under
openings in the covers and drown.
Never leave your dog
unattended in water.
Travel
By Air – Many airlines
will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot
weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the
evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.
If you do ship a dog,
put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. (Two-liter soft drink
bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh
water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of
the trip.
By Car – Keep your dog
cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well
ventilated.
Put a sunshade on your
car windows.
Bring along fresh water
and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop.
Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spray on your dog to cool him down.
By RV – A dog's safety
should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or
motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.
If you leave your dog in
an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it.
Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should
malfunction.
Never leave an RV or
motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack
a window or door or run the exhaust fan.
Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer
months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be the
serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog
is overcome.
Early Stages:
·
Heavy panting.
·
Rapid breathing.
·
Excessive drooling.
·
Bright red gums and
tongue.
·
Standing 4-square,
posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.
Advanced Stages:
·
White or blue gums.
·
Lethargy, unwillingness
to move.
·
Uncontrollable urination
or defecation.
·
Labored, noisy
breathing.
·
Shock.
If your dog begins to
exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:
·
Apply rubbing alcohol to
the dog's paw pads.
·
Apply ice packs to the
groin area.
·
Hose down with water.
·
Allow the dog to lick
ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
·
Offer Pedialyte to
restore electrolytes.
Check your dog's
temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog's temperature has stabilized
at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process.
If you cannot get the
dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog
to the veterinarian immediately.
