With summer just around the corner, many of us in the animal care industry are focusing on protecting pets from the summer heat. Our canine friends are extremely vulnerable in hot weather! Read on as a local Marietta, GA vet offers some advice on keeping Fido safe from the heat.
Water
Make sure that your furry friend always has plenty of fresh water. Many dogs like to drink from fountains, so you may want to consider getting your pooch one. You can even install some that squirt water into the air when Fido steps on a control.
Cool Pooch
In summer, adjust Fido’s schedule a bit, so you can walk and play with him in the mornings and evenings. Don’t encourage your pup to run or play vigorously during the hottest part of the day.
Storms
Many of our canine companions are terrified of those summer storms. If Fido is one of them, keep this in mind when there is weather rolling in. There are doggy-calming products that may be useful, such as thunder shirts and pet-calming products. Desensitization training can also help. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Paw Care
Paw burns are another concern at this time of year. Fido can seriously hurt his paw pads walking or running on scorching-hot ground! Use paw balm to protect those furry feet, and stick to soft surfaces as much as you can.
Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen very quickly in hot weather. Be on the lookout for warning signs! These include heavy panting, elevated pulse, a warm back, dark urine, sunken eyes, and discolored gums. If you see any red flags, immediately give your pup some water, get him out of the heat, and start working to cool him off. Call your vet as you’re doing this. Fido will probably need emergency care, but you’ll need to stabilize him first.
Traveling
One of the biggest dangers for dogs at this time of year is being left in hot cars. Temperatures can reach deadly levels in just a few minutes inside closed vehicles. That’s too much for dogs to withstand, which is why this is now becoming a felony in many places. If Fido can’t go inside with you at your destination, leave him safe and sound at home.
As your local Marietta, GA pet hospital, we’re here for you! Call us anytime!
