Protecting your dog in the heat

I found a good article regarding how to keep your dog safe in extreme heat:
Leave your dog at home, not in the car. More dogs die of heat exhaustion in parked cars than in any other situation. The car gets too hot–even if you leave your dog for only a short time. The temperature in a car can rise 20 degrees within a matter of ten minutes.

Step2
Exercise in the cooler times of day. People love running with their dogs and often think that a dog has no problem handling the heat. This is not true. The risk of heat exhaustion can be reduced by running in the cooler times of the morning or evening. Also avoid hot pavement, which can burn the pads of your dog’s paws.

Step3
Hydrate your dog. Always carry dog-dedicated water and a foldable water bowl on walks and hikes.

Step4
Wrap that dog! Wrapping a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck before heading outside can help her stay cooler and avoid heat exhaustion.

Step5

Brush your dog. Brushing your dog’s coat often can help decrease the risk of heat exhaustion, especially if your dog has a heavy coat.

Step6
Keep it cool. During the hot times of the day, keep your dog in safe, cool environment. Provide the dog with plenty of water. Make sure there is always a fresh, cool water supply available for your pet at home.

Step7
Protect his nose. If you are going to be outside in the sun with your dog, put sunscreen on its nose. It is a part of a dog’s body that is not protected by hair and is so very susceptible to sunburn.

Step 8
Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

SOURCE

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2 thoughts on “Protecting your dog in the heat

  1. Molly

    Our dog trainer stressed to us that it is important that if your dog overheats to cool it slowly. Too rapid of a temperature change can send your pet into shock.

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