When it's as hot as it has been recently there are some tips and tricks to keep your dog happy and healthy!
1.) Once the outside air temp reaches 77 degrees the asphalt is approximately 125 degrees, which is dangerous for a dog's paws. Try to take longer walks early in the morning or late at night to avoid the mid-day heat. You can also put boots on your dog or pick up a protective paw wax such as Musher's Secret. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your dog's bare feet.
2.) Humidity is another important factor when trying to keep your dog safe. Dogs pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. When the humidity is too high they can't cool themselves, and once a dog gets over 104 degrees they could suffer from life-threatening conditions and need immediate medical attention.
3.) ALWAYS have fresh water available for your dog, this includes when you're on a walk or any other outdoor activity. Make sure you regularly check for signs of dehydration and overheating.
4.) Dehydration: one easy way to check if your dog is dehydrated it to gently pull up on the skin at the back of their neck, if it doesn't spring back immediately your dog may be dehydrated. The longer it takes for the skin to spring back, the more dehydrated the dog may be. Other signs of dehydration include sunken or bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, gums, and nose.
5.) Overheating: Without immediate medical treatment, dogs can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias. Panting, followed by disorientation and fast, noisy breathing could signal overheating. Other possible signs include collapsing or convulsing, bright red or blue gums, vomiting and diarrhea.
6.) Make sure when trying to cool them off you get all of their body and not just the top of their backs. It is best to fully soak or submerge your dogs entire body in cool water. Set a kiddie pool up in the shade, or lay a wet towel down to help your dog to cool off on hot days.
Noteworthy: if left alone with no means to cool themselves your dog may resort to digging holes in the yard to try beating the heat without you.
