{"id":71,"date":"2018-07-17T11:00:55","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T15:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.passionatelypets.com\/blog\/?p=71"},"modified":"2018-11-30T15:21:58","modified_gmt":"2018-11-30T20:21:58","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-to-keep-your-pets-cool-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.passionatelypets.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-to-keep-your-pets-cool-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need To Know To Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"At the most recent membership meeting of the National Capital Area Professional Pet Sitters Network, we shared our most important hot weather tips for pet parents.\u00a0 With no end in sight for our area heat waves, I couldn\u2019t think of a better blog topic for this week.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n

So how can we make sure our pets stay cool and safe in the heat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Know what dogs and breeds are less tolerant of the heat. <\/strong>Senior, obese and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs are prone to heatstroke and breathing problems when exposed to extreme temperatures.\u00a0 Pets with health issues can also be more susceptible to hot weather.<\/p>\n

Do not leave pets in the car.<\/strong>\u00a0 This one seems obvious, but people still do it.\u00a0 It only takes a few minutes for the temperature<\/p>\n\"\"\n

to rise to an unbearable level, even if you crack the windows or park in the shade.\u00a0 Remember: Pets have fur coats designed to keep the heat in and they don\u2019t cool themselves as easily as we can.\u00a0 Pets left unattended in a car on a day with outdoor temperatures over 70 can suffer from dehydration, brain damage, heat stroke or suffocation.<\/p>\n

Adjust your walking schedule.<\/strong>\u00a0 In the summer months it is best to take your dog for walks in the mornings and evenings when it is cooler and to keep midday breaks as short as possible.\u00a0 Even during the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of distress.\u00a0 Early signs could be as simple as reduced responsiveness, increased heart rate and excessive drooling.\u00a0 Bright red tongue and gums, glassy eyes and extreme panting are signs of a dog in immediate danger of heat stroke.<\/p>\n

Keep paws off asphalt. <\/strong>Being so close to the ground, pets can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can burn. Check the pavement for\u00a0heat\u00a0before taking your\u00a0dog\u00a0on a walk. Place your hand or a bare foot on the surface for 10 seconds. If it is\u00a0too hot\u00a0for you to keep your hand or foot on it, then it is\u00a0too hot\u00a0for your pet. Stay on grassy surfaces and avoid asphalt\u00a0when outside in the summer\u00a0heat.<\/p>\n

Provide breaks.<\/strong> Some times the difference between an enjoyable stint outdoors and overheating is a break in the shade. If your neighborhood lacks coverage, bring an umbrella along. And if it is extremely hot, you can even hose your dog down prior to setting out.\u00a0 The water dripping off them will keep them cool and they will be dry before returning home.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hydrate<\/strong>. Make sure your pets have access to lots of clean, fresh water before, during and after time spent in the heat and humidity.\u00a0 You can bring a collapsible bowl or a water dispenser like the Gulpy<\/a> with you on walks.<\/p>\n

Protect their skin.<\/strong> Dogs have fur over their skin, but just like humans dogs need protection from the harmful rays of the sun.\u00a0 Use sunscreen wipes specifically designed for pets on their nose, ears, muzzle and any areas that have short or light-colored fur to prevent sunburn.<\/p>\n

Do not leave pets unsupervised near bodies of water.<\/strong>\u00a0 Stay close to your dog while playing in a pool, lake, river or the ocean, as not all dogs are skilled swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they know where the exits are. Get a flotation device for your dog if going on a boat. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean drinking water. The chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can be harmful.\u00a0 Ingesting salt water can cause dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Water in lakes, ponds and rivers may contain parasites and bacteria that can infect your dog.<\/p>\n

Do not shave your dog.<\/strong>\u00a0 The layers of a dog\u2019s coat protect them from overheating and sunburn.\u00a0 Trimming longer fur is okay.<\/p>\n

Have cooling items available.<\/strong> Water is not the only cooling agent available after time in the heat.\u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/strong>Cooling down can be fun and feel rewarding\u00a0for your pup with these fun items and ideas:<\/p>\n