Summer Is Here - What you need to know to keep your dog safe.

Summer is in full swing and what a great summer it has been.  Iggy and I have been lucky to enjoy our favorite summer activities; swimming, camping and outdoor agility.  While you are out enjoying the great summer weather, it is good to keep in mind some possible dangers for your dog.

Heatstroke/dehydration

Dogs are not great at dealing with heat.   They do not sweat like we do, and have a very hard time cooling themselves down, especially when the humidity is high. We all know not to leave our dogs in a hot car for any period of time.  Here are some other tips to keep your dog safe when it is hot.  If you have an older dog or a brachycephalic (short nosed) dog you have to be even more careful.

• always make sure your dog has water and shade
• schedule exercise for morning and evening when it is cooler
• some dogs don't know when to stop, make sure your dog is resting and cooling himself off on a regular basis and drinking plenty of water
• evaporative cool coats are great, but a wet towel covering the dog will also do the trick
• watch your dogs pads if walking on hot pavement it could burn them

Some signs of heat stroke are

• excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• drooling
• mild weakness
• seizures
• bloody diarrhea or vomiting
• stupor and collapse

Water Intoxication

Water intoxication is another possible danger you should be aware of.  Especially since most of us like to take our dogs swimming for exercise during the hot summer months.

Dogs drink water while they swim.  Some drink a lot of water.  I like to limit my dogs swimming time and give him breaks when we are at the water all day.  Allow all that water to go through his system before he goes in the water again.

Here is an article with some more information for you

Water Intoxication Article

Get out and enjoy this glorious weather we have been having.

Leave a comment with what your dogs favorite thing to do in the summer is.