Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe from Sun and Water

Sunshine and warm weather are superb; think picnics, barbecues, long walks in the park, and lazy days soaking up the sun. But a word of warning; Dogs must stay safe in the sun just like us. Summer is again right around the corner!

As the temperatures rise, most people and their dogs spend more time outside, attempting to beat the heat in various methods.

Does your dog love to be out? Here are a few essential items to watch to ensure your dog remains safe and cool in the summer months.

Tips To Protect Your Pets From The Hot Summer Sun and Riny Season

1. Staying Hydrated

It is important to replenish our bodies with water to stay cool after exercise or play; dogs are no different! In the summer, it is imperative to always have a clean and full water bowl available to your dog throughout the day and for post-play water breaks.

Dehydration becomes a major problem when the temperature rises, but this is easily avoidable with access to water for your pup. Reminder: be mindful of the water bowl. If the dish looks hazy or dirty, replace the water in the bowl. Moreover, water bowls should be washed every day to eradicate debris or bacterial buildup.

2. Sunburns

Did you know dogs also can get sunburned? Dogs with lighter skin and thinner hair are more sensitive to sunburn on a sunny day. To avoid sunburns, make frequent visits to the shade or indoors. Ask your veterinarian about dog-approved sunscreen choices, or invest in shielding clothing that will allow your dog to be protected from the sun.

3. Water Safety

Playing in water is a wonderful way to stay cool during hot summer months if you live near a pool, lake, or ocean. However, before jumping in with your dog, check the water source to make sure it is clean, clear, and debris-free.

Dogs who are not comfortable with water may be a little hesitant to jump right in. Rather than picking them up and placing them in an unfamiliar situation, let them feel comfortable at their own pace. Drawing them with treats and praise will make the new area more exciting and less exotic.

When having fun in the water, it can be easy to forget the onset of signs of overexposure to sunlight and dehydration. Taking breaks from the sun is essential during hot summer months, and your dog will thank you for it. Once inside or in the comfort of shade, make sure to rehydrate with fresh water for you and your dog.

After a day of play in any form of water, a bath may help built-up dirt and bacteria and keep your dog’s skin moisturized.

4. Do not leave your dog in the car

Every year, pups are run to the emergency room after being left in a car for a long time. Unfortunately, dogs die due to heat stroke in many cases. It’s not enough to break the window and park in the shade. Your car can heat up quickly, creating a dangerous situation. For instance, when outside temperatures are 75° F, the inside of your vehicle can climb to 94° F after 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 109° F. The danger of leaving your dogs in your car is simply not worth it. Please leave your pets at home where they can be relaxed.

Read Also: Top Dog Breeds That Can Handle Indian Summer

5. Identify Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Your Pet

Dogs can get heat stroke easily. It is a severe condition caused by the body being overheated. Heat stroke can induce damage to the body’s organs and brain along with difficulties like kidney failure, blood clotting, seizures, cardiopulmonary arrest, muscle tremors, and others.

Heat stroke is when the body can no longer acclimate to the external heat and therefore starts to shut down. In pets, heat stroke can be deadly and needs treatment instantly. In many cases, pets with heat stroke are usually hospitalized for stabilization.

Dogs have an average body temperature between 101– 102.5° F. Therefore, they should be cooled down when their temperature increases above 103° F.

6. Here are some of the symptoms that your pet is overheated:

• Bright red tongue
• Heavy, rapid panting
• Extreme drooling with thick, sticky saliva
• Pale or red gums
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Frequent pausing in activity to lie down
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Read Also: Tips For Keeping Your Senior Dog Cool This Summer!

7. Limit outdoor exercise

Your dog may think playing fetch for hours in the sun sounds like a fantastic plan, but try to limit their exercise time and intensity on hot summer days.

High-energy dogs rely on you to make responsible options for them. Try dragging the fun inside — playing hide-and-seek or fetch with a soft toy inside with treats are great methods for your dog to burn physical and mental energy in a relaxed environment.

If your dog needs more play, but your schedule does not let early morning or evening walks, or you’re in an area where it’s still too warm for a walk around the block, plan your dog for a day of daycare at your local Dogtopia!

We hope these tips will help keep your dog safe and happy throughout the burning summer days. Share this article with friends and family to educate them about hot summer safety for their pets.