Summer can be a lot of fun for your furry friend– more walks, more time spent outdoors, and a lot more to explore! But, with August being the hottest month of the year, summer can also be a dangerous time for your dog. Dogs that are overheated can quickly become sick, resulting in heat stroke or even death. Follow these essential tips to keep your pup happy and healthy:
DODGE DEHYDRATION. Keep a bowl constantly full of fresh water outside during summer days and make sure your pup has a shady place to escape the sun (this is especially important to remember when bringing your dog along for a beach trip).
KNOW YOUR PUP’S LIMITATIONS. Avoid exercising your dog during extremely hot weather and pay special attention that dogs who are old, overweight, ill, or have flat faces (like pugs) remain in a cool, air-conditioned space to avoid heat stroke.
BETTER OFF AT HOME. While you might think it fun to take your pup along while you run errands on a nice day, you are actually putting him in danger. Regardless of whether or not you’ve parked your car in the shade or cracked a window, the inside of your car can easily heat up to 120 degrees in minutes during warm weather.
*IMPORTANT* If you notice a distressed dog locked in a car on a hot day, please ask store management to alert their shoppers of the crisis or call the police department. It’s your responsibility to take action, as the dog has no way of escaping this dangerous situation on their own.
TOO HOT TO TROT. The rules are simple: if the ground is too hot for bare feet, it’s too hot for bare paws. If you’re wearing shoes, test the ground with the back of your hand for excessive heat. The padding on your pet’s paws can burn easily, causing your pup pain and even injury.
We know that keeping your furbaby safe and happy is your #1 priority as a pawrent; following these tips will not only keep your pup healthy, but decrease the number of pets each year that succumb to heat stroke. Please share to spread the word!
The Green Butterfly Blog 