Summer will soon be here, along with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventures with our canine friends. But the hot temperatures and the outdoor environment also bring some new challenges that should be considered in order to ensure that our dogs stay healthy during the warmer season. Remember, they rely on you to keep them safe. Here are just a few tips to help stay healthy and cool this summer:
Canine Cooling
Because of its insulating properties, a dog’s coat can do just as much to keep it cool in the summer as it does to keep it warm in winter. That is why it’s important to keep the coat clean and appropriately groomed in both winter and summer months. A compromised coat full of mats, tangles, or dirt and debris can mean less protection or insulation from extreme seasonal temperatures. Also, consider a shorter summer haircut for dogs that will help prevent them from overheating, but that still provides adequate protection from the sun. (If you choose to use sunscreen or bug spray on your pets, be sure it’s specifically labeled as being safe for them.)
Also keep in mind that, unlike humans, sweating in dogs does very little to help regulate body temperature. This is why dogs have a built-in cooling mechanism known as panting, where air is cooled by being inhaled through their wet nose, and warm air is expelled quickly through the mouth. Despite a dog’s natural cooling ability, it’s important that pet owners always provide plenty of cool, clean drinking water, and easy access to a cool, shady area. And remember to look for warning signs for overheating such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, accelerated heart-rate or respiratory rate, lots of drooling, staring, signs of weakness or lethargy, or exhaustion/collapse. Consult your vet immediately if you suspect your dog’s health may have been affected by heat or dehydration.
Protection from Ticks
It’s an old myth that ticks drop out of trees and drop onto unsuspecting targets. In fact, ticks usually do something called “questing”, where they crawl 18-24 inches up a plant and lie in wait until some animal brushes by. Ticks can survive up to a year without feeding, and the past mild winter means that ticks are likely to be out in greater-than-normal numbers this year. It’s important that humans and pets alike are protected from these disease-carrying parasites so we recommend taking precautionary measures to reduce the risks of exposure and to always conduct a tick-check after spending time outdoors. (Ask us about the wide selection of tick-control solutions for people and pets available at West Lebanon Feed & Supply.)
More Summer Tips
1) Remember that summer is the time when many of us are using lawn & garden treatments, mouse and rat baits, insecticides, and more. Be sure to keep all chemicals safely away from pets.
2) Summer is a great time for backyard barbecues and parties. But be aware that many of the foods we serve to humans are harmful to pets. Outdoor gatherings are an easy place for dogs to hunt for dropped food on the ground or beg for handouts from guests, so be aware of your pet’s behavior and, if necessary, keep them away from the area.
3) Never, ever leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the windows down, cars can become like an oven and cause serious health risks or even death for your pets.
4) Always supervise your pets around water. It’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers. Use a flotation device such as a dog lifejacket if you plan to have your dog on a boat and be sure to rinse them off, especially if they’ve spent time in a pool or in salt water. And don’t let them drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that can cause an upset stomach.
5) Don’t spend a lot of time lingering on the asphalt during the hot summer days; since dogs are lower to the ground, the heat radiating from the pavement can quickly cause overheating.
6) Dogs like to run around and have fun. But don’t let them over-exert themselves, particularly on hot summer days when it’s easier to overheat. When the outdoor temperature rises, be sure to take frequent breaks, make sure they drink plenty of water, and do all you can to help them to stay cool.
We hope these tips will help you and your four-legged loved ones have a fun and safe summer. Remember, your friends at West Lebanon Feed & Supply and Clean Paws Grooming are always happy to help provide the right solutions for your summer needs. And be sure to make an appointment at Clean Paws for your pet’s stylish summer haircut!
