The Dog Days of Summer
With summer fast approaching and the weather warming up, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the
beautiful outdoors. As the temperatures rise, there is an increased risk that comes along with outdoor
summer activities. With this in mind, it’s important to keep your dog’s safety and health a priority so
summertime can be an enjoyable time for everyone in your whole family.
Following these guidelines and keeping a watchful eye on your pet, can help to keep them healthy and
safe, while having fun in the sun!
Avoid the hottest time of the day ~ Generally, the sun is at its peak between 11:00 pm and 4:00pm, so
exercising during this time can be dangerous to you and your dog. It’s best to exercise early in the
morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
Don’t overdo outdoor play time ~ When the temperatures rise, dogs can easily overheat before they
have reached the level of physical exhaustion so, it’s important to keep exercise sessions short and
sweet. Shorter walks outdoors, followed by a break and indoor playtime is a good routine to satisfy your
dog’s need for physical exercise.
Keep your dog hydrated ~ Water is crucial to your dog’s health, but during the summer months, it’s
even more important. Because a dog’s body comprises almost 70% water, losing just 5-10% of body
water means your dog could suffer from health consequences and severe dehydration. Therefore during
outside playtime, it is important that your dog has access to cool, fresh water at all times so that he can
replenish what is expended.
To shave or not to shave ~ Because dogs have limited sweat glands and cool themselves through
panting and sweating from the pads of their feet, shaving down the dog’s fur in the summer is not an
effective cooling method. In fact, the layers of fur help to regulate a dog’s body temperature, by
providing insulation in the winter and cooling them in the summer. Shaving a dog’s coat will inhibit their
ability to deal with the temperature change and can actually make them more susceptible for sunburn,
heat exhaustion and heat stroke. So instead of shaving your dog this summer, keep their coat well
groomed and free of mats, this offers the best protection from the sun and allows them to make the
most out of their body’s built in cooling system.
Protect the skin ~ Because dogs have fur, people often assume that they are not in any danger of getting
sunburn. But this is not so, and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs. Though their fur
does provide some degree of protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it is recommended to apply a
pet- safe sunscreen every 3-4 hours on the dog’s nose, muzzle, ears, and on the skin surrounding the
lips. If your dog is light-colored and shorthaired, they are especially prone to sunburn and it is advised to
spray them all over with a sunscreen. Be mindful that ingredients such as Zinc oxide can be toxic
therefore, it is best to use a waterproof, hypoallergenic sunscreen formulated specifically for dogs.
Keep the paws in mind ~ Asphalt, concrete, metal, and sand can become very hot in the summer sun.
No matter how tough your dog’s
feet may seem, avoid prolonged
exposure to these surfaces as they
can burn paws, causing terrible
sores and pain. Because dogs
perspire mainly through the foot
pads, the higher the temperature
underneath their feet, the less likely
they are able to cool themselves
consequently, becoming overheated
quicker. Be mindful that air
temperature is not an accurate
indication of the ground
temperature. When the outside air
temperature is reading 77°F, the
asphalt in the sun has been
measured at 125°F. Make sure to
check the surfaces before walking
your dog. If you are not able to
comfortably hold your hand for more than 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. And while it’s
never safe for a dog to ride in the back of an open pickup truck, the hot sun can heat the metal floor of a
truck bed burn their paws.
Respect the breed ~ Breeds such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Mastiff, Pekingese,
Pugs and Shih Tzus are some of the breeds that are considered “brachycephalic,” which means broad,
short, skull. This facial structure, affects their ability to efficiently pant, which increases their risk for
overheating and respiratory distress. Keeping these breeds at an ideal body condition and avoiding
excessive, strenuous activities during the summer months is crucial for their safety.
Never, EVER leave your dog in an unattended, parked car ~ Despite the repeated warnings, each
summer brings numerous accounts of dogs suffering from dehydration, brain damage and even death
from heat stroke. Many people do not realize that at 78°F, within minutes temperatures inside a car can
quickly reach 90°F and exceed 160°F. With temperatures rising to dangerous levels, having windows
cracked does little to combat the summer heat and/or assist with preventing heat build- up. If you
absolutely have to bring your dog with you, make sure you have another person that can stay with your
dog in the running, air-conditioned car and that your dog has access to cool water at all times.
Watch your dog and know the warning signs ~ Heat Stroke, or hyperthermia is defined as an elevation
in body temperature. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 99.5 to 102.5°F. A dog is
overheated at 103°F and at 106°F, damage to the body's cellular structure can occur. Once it reaches
109°F, it is often fatal. Recognizing the signs and taking immediate action is critical to saving your dog’s
life.
Early signs of heat stroke:
Rectal temperature over 104°F
Vigorous panting
Excessive drooling
Bright red gums and tongue
Weakness
Dizziness or disorientation
Advanced signs of heat stroke:
Rectal temperature over 106°F
Labored, noisy breathing
White or blue gums
Lethargy, unwillingness or inability to move
Uncontrollable urination or defecation
Seizures
What to do if you suspect heat stroke ~ As soon as signs of heat stroke are detected, your dog’s
condition can escalate quickly and there is little time before serious damage or even death can occur.
First, move your dog out of the direct heat and into the shade or an air condition area. Begin cooling
your dog by placing wet towels on the foot pads, around the head and in the groin area. Never use ice or
ice water. Extreme cold or cooling too quickly can be counterproductive and can cause other life
threatening medical conditions. Rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes and when the
body temperature reaches 103.0°F, stop cooling. At this point, your dog's body should continue cooling
on its own. Offer your dog cool water, allowing them to drink small amounts at a time. Allow your dog to
drink on their own and never force them, as this can potentially be choking hazard.
Even if your dog seems to be recovering, call or visit your vet right away. Internal damage might not be
obvious, so a through exam is necessary and further testing may be recommended.
Regardless of the season, it’s important to use common sense and proceed with caution in order
to keep your dogs safe and healthy. Summertime comes with its own risks. Keep a watchful eye on
your pet, restrict direct sun exposure, never leave your dog unattended while outdoors and make
sure that he always have access to plenty of water. When in doubt, call your vet right away.
Prevention and education is the key to keeping your dog safe, so you both can enjoy a happy and
healthy summer for many years to come.
By Gina Crist ~ Carolina K-9 Training
Sources:
http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/care/summer-safety/
http://www.nylabone.com/dog-101/activities-fun/safe-summer-fun-with-your-dog.htm
http://www.dogtread.com/dog-treadmill-blog-spot-5-hot-weather-health-tips-and-tricks/
http://www.hartz.com/Cats/Health/Medical_And_Preventive_Care/The_Heat_is_On_Preventing_Heat_Stroke_in_
Cats_and_Dogs.aspx
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1375
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/pet-safety/protecting-pets-from-heat
http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm