It is almost officially summer and that means rising temperatures. Animals can get heat stroke, just like people, so taking preventative measures will ensure a happy, healthy and fun summer for you and your pets! Remember: if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for them!
Most important is making sure your pets have plenty of fresh, cool water. Try to keep at least one big bowl of clean water in a shady area if your pets are outdoors. Adding ice is an extra treat for most dogs!
Exercise. Try to only do it early in the morning or in the evening–Cesar Milan’s advice is to even use doggie boots. “If you can’t walk your dog during the early and later hours of the day, this is a good way of protecting him/her. Heat rises from the ground, especially on surfaces like cement and asphalt, and dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Just like boots prevent the dog from absorbing the cold in the winter, they also isolate heat.”
The layers of your pet’s coat help to protect them from overheating and sunburn. Trimming long hair is perfectly okay for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors. Shaving a pet that is outdoors a lot is not recommended, according to the ASPCA. Brushing your pet(s) more often will also help remove loose fur can also prevent overheating.
Practice basic summer safety. Do not leave your pet in a hot car. Leave them at home or send them to doggy daycare if you need to be out of the house for an extended period of time. They will be much more comfortable in the air conditioning, lying on the cool tile, or even in the shady backyard. Let them find a cool, shady spot in the yard where they can dig and get comfortable.
Go swimming! Have a kiddie pool? Fill it up with a few inches of water and let them play. If there is a lake nearby, even better! Dogs love to swim and it helps cool them off. Feel free to join them in the water.
Keep an extra eye on older pets, which tend to overheat quicker, just like humans. Watch for any indication that they are having trouble breathing and call your vet with any concerns. Same with any pet at any age, even if you feel like you have treated them sufficiently for heat stroke, exhaustion, or hyperthermia, make sure to contact your vet regardless.
Another fun idea is to make Peanut Butter Popsicles for dogs! Who doesn’t love a Popsicle in the summer?
At Rover Stay Over, we offer security and peace of mind day and night with on-site management. We are committed to using environmentally friendly products whenever possible to create a safe, healthy, and cool summer environment for our furry guests. Contact us today for any summer travel plans at 360-306-5931.