Hey Pet Parents, summertime is here, and it is the perfect season for having fun outdoors! Before you let your dog out into the searing heat, you will want to take note of some tips so that you can keep your dog cool in the summer sun. Some of these tips can be potentially lifesaving for your dog. Here are the top 5 ways to keep your dog cool this summer!
1. Hydration
Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, and it will be important for you to keep your dog hydrated at all times. Staying adequately hydrated will keep them safe from dehydration and other heat-related ailments. Dogs do not sweat as much as humans, which means that they are devoid of a natural way to cool down. By giving them enough water, you help to keep your dog cool in the summer heat. I can’t count how many times we’ve been scooping poop at a client’s house and the dog’s water dish was empty. Of course, we fill them up because we love your pets too!
2. Mind the Hot Floors
During summer, the asphalt floors can get really hot! When you decide to bring your dog outdoors, try to avoid timings when the sun is blaring. Instead, always opt to bring your dog out in the early mornings or in the evening when the sun isn’t that strong. Alternatively, you can always purchase dog boots for them as it will help to protect the dog’s paws from the heat.
Dog boots can also be entertaining as your dog tries to navigate with their paws covered up, but at least they’re not frying their paws!
3. Keep the Coat On
When it is hot, it is very common for people to attempt shaving the dog on the assumption that a thinner coat will accumulate less heat for the dog. This is untrue. In fact, the coat is necessary during summer as it acts as a layer of insulation between the heat and the dog’s skin. If you decide to shave the coat, you are removing the dog’s only line of defense against the sun during summer.
4. Cars and Dogs
Heat can get really bad in cars during the summer. You should never leave your dog in the car alone, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. The heat can really jack up the temperature in the car, and this can be fatal to your dog. According to KidsandCars, it only take a few minutes for your car’s internal temperature to reach 125 degrees during the summer months. Note that it is illegal in some states to leave your pets unattended in a car.
Many states are passing statutes like this 2016 Florida law that gives immunity from civil liability for damage to the vehicle when force is used to remove a person or vulnerable animal from a vehicle. Yay Florida!
5. Playing in the Water
One of the best ways to keep your dog cool this summer is to allow your dog to take a dip in the water. There are plenty of places where you can do this. If you live near the coast, you can always bring your dog to the beach for a good swim. If there are lakes nearby, you can opt for this as well, but be mindful that not all lakes are friendly to dogs. Of course, if either option is not feasible, there is always the choice of buying a doggy pool for your dog to cool down during the summer.
If you do take your dog to a local watering hole, be sure to bring some dog poop bags to clean up any messes they may make. Oh, by the way, you are required by law to pick up your dog’s poop from public places, but you can always hire a professional pooper scooper to help keep your own property clean and smelling fresh. Just visit the Scoop Masters home page and enter your zip code to find out if we service your area. Speaking of legal, I wonder if slip and fall laws apply to pet waste? Only the judge knows for sure. Enjoy!