Here At Daniel Island Dog walking, we want to make sure all DI dogs stay safe this summer… particularly in the heat! Walking your dog at the appropriate time can alleviate most of the problems that face overheating in dogs.As the temperature heats up, it’s really important to remember the following essential safety tips for keeping your dog safe this summer.
To ensure that your dog doesn’t get tired out during the summer, avoid exercising your dog too much when it’s really hot – for instance during hot days or warm, humid nights. The best time to exercise dogs in summer is either early in the morning or late in the evening. This is particularly important for dogs with thick, heavy coats and lots of long hair. Take it easy by avoiding taking them out in the middle of the day, and avoid vigorous exercise for all dogs in hot, humid weather.
Take your dog to the groomers for a summer shave! Without all that fur, your pup will be able to keep cooler longer. Just imagine wearing your winter coat here on Daniel Island in July!
Paw pads can be burnt when on a walk. If it is a particularly hot day your dog may struggle outside, especially if you are walking on surfaces that heat up quickly such as sand and asphalt. The best way to check if it is too hot is to press your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold your hand there for long it’s too hot for your pooch to be walking on. If this is the case, walking on grass might be safer.
As the temperature heats up, it’s really important to remember the following essential safety tips for keeping your dog safe this summer.
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child’s wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in the car in warm weather – leaving a window ajar and parking in the shade actually does very little to lower the temperature inside the car. Just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal for a dog.
Always take the car keys with you, even if you are just running back into the house to get something. The last thing you want is for your dog to accidentally lock himself inside your car on a hot day.
Consider using a car sun blind to provide shade and carry a ready supply of water at all times.
Try to avoid long car journeys in hot weather, if you need to travel, avoid the heat of the mid-day sun.
Apply pet sun cream to your dog’s easily burned areas. Don’t use human sun cream as it can be toxic for dogs so visit your local pet shop and get one that is made specifically for dogs.
Be extra vigilant with older or overweight dogs as they are more prone to overheating.
We want you and your pooch to have a great summer!
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