Guidelines for Securing Canine Wellbeing During the Summer Heat
As the warm weather approaches, dog owners must be aware of the potential hazards that come with the summer season. Here are some key summer safety hazards for dogs and how to prevent them:
**Heatstroke** Dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, which can be insufficient in high heat. Symptoms of heatstroke include heavy panting, bright red gums, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse, and seizures. Heatstroke can develop rapidly and is life-threatening.
**Prevention:** - Provide constant access to fresh water and shade to help dogs stay hydrated and cool. - Avoid exercise and walks during peak heat hours (midday). Instead, choose early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. - Never leave dogs unattended in parked cars, as temperatures inside can exceed 110°F within minutes even on mild days, posing a fatal risk. - Limit outdoor activity when temperatures exceed 85°F; keep exercise very short or indoors if over 90°F. - Protect paws from hot pavement by walking on grass or shaded areas. - Recognize heat exhaustion signs early and act fast: move the dog to a cool place, apply room temperature water to paws, belly, and groin, and offer small sips of water if conscious. - Seek immediate veterinary care if severe symptoms appear, such as collapse, vomiting, or seizures.
**Hot Pavement Burns** Asphalt and concrete can reach temperatures that burn dogs’ paw pads.
**Prevention:** - Avoid walking on hot surfaces and stick to grass or shaded areas.
**Fireworks Anxiety** Loud noises can cause stress and anxiety in dogs.
**Prevention:** - Keep pets indoors during firework displays and provide a safe, quiet space for them to rest.
**Toxic Plants and Insects** Summer is prime time for external and internal parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can seriously impact a dog’s health.
**Prevention:** - To protect dogs from parasites, keep them on year-round parasite prevention, check them thoroughly after outdoor activities, and avoid walks at dusk and dawn in mosquito-heavy areas. - Certain plants can be toxic to dogs, so keep them away from any known harmful plants.
**Sunburn** Dogs can get sunburned, especially breeds with short, light-colored fur, pink skin, or thin hair coverage.
**Prevention:** - Limit sun exposure during peak hours, provide ample shade when outdoors, and consider using pet-safe sunscreen.
**Brachycephalic Breeds** Brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and shih tzus, have shorter nasal passages that make it more difficult for them to pant effectively, putting them at higher risk for overheating.
**Prevention:** - Encourage these breeds to rest in cool, shaded areas and monitor their activity levels closely during hot weather.
**Foxtails** Foxtails are a dangerous but often overlooked summer hazard that can burrow into a dog’s skin, causing painful infections or even migrating internally.
**Prevention:** - Keep your dog away from areas with foxtails and check them thoroughly after outdoor activities.
**Thick-Coated Breeds** Breeds with thick coats like huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, and chow chows can retain heat due to their dense fur. While shaving is not generally recommended, regular grooming to remove the undercoat can help improve airflow and temperature regulation.
By following these precautions—shade, hydration, timing, and monitoring—dog owners can keep their pets safe from summer heat hazards and ensure a happy season for their furry friends.
Science reveals that dogs are susceptible to various summer hazards, and health-and-wellness advocates recommend preventing them through appropriate measures. For instance, it's essential to provide shade and water for dogs to stay cool during hot weather, avoiding exercise during peak heat hours, and checking for foxtails after outdoor activities to prevent infections. Moreover, protecting dogs from parasites, monitoring brachycephalic breeds, and taking precautions against sunburn can enhance their health and wellness during the summer season.
