Our dogs love the spring and summer months almost as much as we do! They like to run around, wriggle in water, enjoy the sun and shade and revel in the outdoors. Yet, just like we humans, dogs can suffer from the effects of too much sun and heat that can lead to catastrophic, even fatal results. Here are a few pet summer safety tips to keep in mind when spending time with your dog outdoors.
Don’t Leave Your Dog in the Car
There are currently 16 states in the U.S. that make it illegal to leave an animal in an unoccupied vehicle that exposes them to conditions putting their health in danger. North Carolina is one of the states that consider pet safety, with our state’s animal cruelty provisions.
Even mild Raleigh, North Carolina days of 70 degrees can raise the temperature of a closed car to 90 within ten minutes. It can reach 104 degrees after 30 minutes! Opening your car windows an inch or so will not ease the conditions for your pet if there is no satisfactory means of providing relief in this environment. Keep water with you in the car for them when out an about.
When Is It Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
In hot weather conditions, asphalt can burn their paws and if a short-legged breed, their belly. To ensure your pet’s summer safety, walk your dogs in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not at its peak. Walking on the shaded side of the street can also minimize the effects of the blazing summer sun. Be sure to bring some water and a travel water bowl to rehydrate.
If you do suspect that it may be too hot out for a walk try holding the back of your hand to the pavement. If you are not able to hold your hand to the pavement for five seconds then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. A walk in an air-conditioned store or a quick swim in a lake are great alternatives to exercise your dog when it’s too hot for a walk outside.
Keep Your Dog from Overheating
A dog’s temperature and body regulation differ from ours and they can get overheat quickly. Panting is one way they try to keep their temp down, but in the case of overheating/heatstroke no amount of panting will help them. They often have trouble breathing and can experience a stroke if their condition is not immediately attended to. Your dog should always have access to water when outdoors, so they can escape the heat after play. Like humans, in dangerous high temperature weather conditions, strenuous activity should be kept to a minimum.
With all the opportunities for outdoor activities and the combination of longer summer days you may be tempted to take pets with you. Some breeds are not equipped for all day exposure to the sun. In order to avoid overheating and indoor accidents consider the option of a pet door or “doggie door” for your home. Your precious canine can go in and out whether you are at home or not. Pet Doors are a fantastic way to have a happy and healthy pup. Glass Doctor of Raleigh offers pet door installation in varied sizes, so you can find the right size for your dog.
We value the relationship we have with our pets whom we often consider as family and we spend a great deal of time with them; at home, at play, in our travels, or even on errands. However, pet safety in the summer requires extra consideration. If you can’t bring them inside with you wherever you’re headed, in dangerously hot weather, it’s best to leave them safely at home.