We're all enjoying the warmer weather. It means longer days, more time outside and a great excuse to go swimming or enjoy a cold drink. But what about our furry friends? They can quickly overheat if you don’t take the proper steps.
Luckily, protecting your pets from the heat is pretty simple and we’ve put together a quick reference list to keep your pets happy — and cool — all summer long.
Beat the heat: eight ways to stay cool.
Avoid peak hours The sun is at its hottest and highest in the middle of the day. Try to keep your walks to earlier in the day, before the heat has started, or after dark when the heat should have broken, and cool breezes can mitigate the heat.
Get shady - Stick to shady spots and trails when walking. You might like sitting in direct sunlight, but your furry friend will be happiest in a nice, shady spot where the temperatures can be much cooler.
Stick to the grass, Asphalt can get extremely hot extremely quickly in the summer and your dog’s paws aren’t built to withstand such temperatures. Try to keep your walks to grassy areas or pick up a protective pair of shoes to keep them comfortable.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Keep extra bowls of water within easy access for your pets. If you’re sitting outside in the backyard or a park, make sure to have a water bowl nearby so they can drink whenever they need to.
Make a splash zone, Kiddie pools are perfect for pets. Fill one up and encourage your pooch to jump in. You can also run a sprinkler so the whole family can play along.
Make it a beach day Lakeside or riverside, it doesn’t matter. With easy access to water, your pup will have a great time splashing in and out of the waves to cool off and just play. Don’t forget a beach umbrella and a bowl for water! If you’re not near a body of water, head to a grassy park. They’re usually a bit cooler.
Frozen treats are for everyone Fill a Kong with water and freeze it or just grab a couple ice cubes from your freezer. Who said frozen treats were just for people? At Raw for Pets, we have lots of Frozen treat options, stop by and the team will be happy to help you find that special treat for your furry friend.
When in doubt, chill Sometimes it’s just too hot to go outside. On those days, turn up the air conditioner and stay indoors. If you don’t have A/C, set up a series of fans to get the air moving. It’s okay to skip a walk if it’s truly too hot to go outside.
How to spot heat stroke and exhaustion in your pet.
Your dog won’t be able to tell you when they’re starting to overheat, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them for symptoms of heat stroke, including:
- excessive panting
- drooling
- weakness or lethargy
- collapse or lack of coordination
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- seizures
Dogs naturally pant to cool themselves down, but if it becomes extreme to the point that they seem to be having trouble breathing or aren’t moving around much, it’s time to see a vet.
Keeping your pooch hydrated and cool as much as possible should help prevent heat stroke. And remember, never leave your dog in a parked car even with the window cracked.
Keep in mind, Raw for Pets has a Holistic Pet nutritionist on staff, and we would be happy to help you with any Health or Dietary needs you may have.
Raw for Pets
43872 Talbot Line St Thomas
519-207-2480
