Although summertime lends us a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, there are some precautions you should take to ensure your dog can enjoy the summer as well.
Did you know that dogs can get sunburned? Itās true–especially white, short-furred dogs. Regardless of color and length of fur, all dogs can get sunburned in sensitive parts of their bodies, such as their bellies and inner thighs, where they donāt have a lot of fur.
There are sunscreens designed specifically for dogs. Try to avoid using human sunscreens, as most have zinc oxide in them, which can be harmful if licked. Ingestion may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Always reapply sunscreen after several hours.
I saw a cute window sticker the other day that read, āWarningā Heat Advisory! Leaving your dog in a hot car will result in your windows being smashed with a brick.ā I liked that. Internal car temperatures can soar very quickly and can result in a dog getting heatstroke.
In a Stanford University study, at 72 degrees outside, a carās internal temperature climbed to 116 degrees within one hour. A carās internal temp can climb over 20 degrees higher in only 10 minutes. Cracking a window isnāt enough! Donāt take a chance with your best friendās life. If you have to run errands, leave Fido at home.
Dogs that stay outside too long also run the risk of getting heatstroke. Dogs with dark fur heat up quicker than dogs with light fur, but they can all get heatstroke in a very short period of time. During hot weather, try to keep outdoor activity levels to a minimum. Always make sure your dog has plenty of access to shade and fresh water.
Common signs of heatstroke are excessive panting, disorientation, excessive drooling, reddening of the gums, and increased body temperature over 103 degrees. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Summertime is great time for everyone to enjoy the outside. With a few simple safety measures, you and your dog can enjoy the Dog Days of Summer.
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