Brandon Forder
Finally, the warm weather is upon us! We all welcome the arrival of warm weather, especially after the long, bitter winter we just couldn’t seem to get rid of. And while being outdoors soaking up some rays is certainly satisfying to the soul, it’s not without its risks – particularly to our dogs.
As we continue to enjoy more consistently warm days, it is important to keep our pets safe from heat overexposure. Follow these essential tips to beating the heat and your dog will be cool and comfortable all summer long.
Ease into Exercise
After months of reduced activity during winter, many dogs are eager to go full speed ahead once the warmer weather arrives. Even winter dogs who love the snow tend to be less active during the colder months.
To ensure your dog is not overdoing it too quickly, begin with light activity and gradually increase desired intensity over a period of time. Overexertion too soon may put your dog’s health at risk as it can be very hard on their organs, particularly their cardiovascular system. There is also an increased risk of sprains and joint injuries as many dogs push themselves harder than their body is used to.
Plan Your Outings
Hitting up the dog park at noon on a hot day is not a good idea. The best times to exercise your dog are when temperatures are cool; early mornings and evenings are ideal. This will keep your dog from overheating, and will also make their time spent running around more enjoyable. If you must go out during the hotter parts of the day, try to stick to areas with plenty of shade.
Also, consider the surfaces your dog may be walking and running on. Pavement and sidewalks can get very hot during the day and may easily burn the sensitive pads of the feet. Stick to grassy areas and dirt trails if possible.
For complete foot protection, consider breathable mesh dog boots. They are intended for summer outings and provide excellent overall foot protection without being too hot.
Stay Hydrated and Cool
Whether your dog is active or not, proper hydration is critical throughout the summer months. The simple act of sunbathing in the backyard on a hot day is enough for certain dogs to overheat, potentially leading to heat stroke. This is especially problematic for dogs with thick undercoats, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Huskies, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, and more.
Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds like Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, French and English Bulldogs are genetically prone to having breathing difficulties at the best of times, making them especially high risk breeds during summer.
Remember, dogs do not sweat like people; they have sweat glands in their feet, but this does little to keep them cool. Panting is also a rather inefficient cooling mechanism, especially when the air is hot.
In recent years, cooling vests and chill mats have become very popular to help wick away excess body heat, keeping your dog cool and comfortable all summer long.
Dogs should have unrestricted access to fresh cold water and shade at all times. For those water-loving pooches out there, setting up a small kiddy pool will provide a wonderful cool-down space and offer unlimited fun at the same time.
Cover Up With Sunscreen
Did you know dogs can get sunburns?
Dogs with short coats, thin hair, and light skin are especially susceptible to burns and skin-related cancers. If your dog is going to be exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, use a pet-friendly sunscreen (containing both UVA and UVB blockers) on exposed areas.
Use Common Sense
Never leave your dog unattended in a hot car. Ever.
This may seem like common sense to most, however it is estimated that hundreds of dogs die in North America every summer from vehicle-related heatstroke. Heatstroke is an absolutely horrific process, as it ultimately causes catastrophic failure of all vital life functions.
It takes mere minutes for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures, even if parked in shade, and even if the windows are open. For example, on a mild spring day of 21°C(70°F), temperatures inside a vehicle can escalate to over 46°C(115°F) in less than half an hour. Heat exhaustion in dogs can happen when a dog’s body temperature hits 39°C(103°F).
If you have to run an errand, please leave your pet at home where it is safe.
Make a Fun Treat
Use this simple recipe to make exciting chilled summer treats for your pooch. Try experimenting with other ingredients to maximize fun and flavour:
1 cup water or broth
¼ cup peanut butter
A handful of blueberries, chopped banana, or cubed meat
Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl, Tupperware container, or ice cube tray and freeze. Feed when frozen, and watch your dog enjoy this fun treat outside on a hot day – they’ll love it! These treats make for great outdoor enrichment activities and are the perfect thing to offer your dog when bbqing in the backyard, or hanging out on the deck.
No matter how much time your dog spends outdoors this summer, take the necessary precautions to ensure you can safely enjoy your time together. Here’s to a wonderful, fun-filled summer!
Brandon Forder, known as The Pet Expert, is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, an industry leader in healthy pet lifestyles. Brandon holds multiple certifications in pet nutrition, and has more than twenty-five years’ experience specializing in pet health and behaviour. He has written hundreds of informative pet-related articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, and the popular Ask the Pet Expert Blog. Brandon is highly skilled in pet problem solving, and enjoys teaching others about smart and responsible pet ownership. To learn more, visit www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
