Summer is the time to enjoy beaches, picnics and outdoor sports but summer may also bring hazards to your dog. Dogs are more susceptible to heat because they cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans; sweating only from their paws and panting to reduce their body temperature. We urge everyone with dogs to remember these summer sun safety tips:
1. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a warm, sunny day as temperatures can sore to over a 100 F within a few minutes regardless if the windows are open an inch or two or the car is parked in the shade. Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with heart or respiratory problems generally have a harder time regulating heat. Breeds with short muzzles such as bulldogs and pugs cannot pant efficiently and should be kept cool.
2. Know the signs of heat stroke which are heavy panting, profuse sweating from paw pads, thick saliva, dry mouth, gums redder than normal, high body temperatures (above 105F), weakness and more serious signs that include nausea, diarrhea, breathing problems, muscle tremors, seizures and collapse. If heat stroke is suspected, immediately lower body temperature by spraying with tepid to cool water (NOT COLD WATER as constricts blood vessels and impedes the cooling process), covering with towels soaked in tepid to cool water and placing the dog in front of a fan. Follow up with a veterinarian is essential as there may be internal organ damage.
3. Limit sun exposure as dogs can get sunburn and skin cancer, especially those with short, white hair and pink skin. The tips of the ears, the nose, inside legs and abdomen are the areas most at risk. Human sunscreen may cause drooling, diarrhea or increased thirst if ingested and it is best to use a sunscreen that is approved safe for pets (available at DOGSAFE). If your dog does experience sunburn, seen as red skin and hair loss, flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest and walk the dog in the early morning or late evening. Be aware of your dog’s physical activity level and do not demand too much; even walking in beach sand is more strenuous than walking on grass. Various cooling jackets will be available soon at DOGSAFE.
5. Always have cool water available to drink and to cool off in. Carry a water bottle and collapsible bowl in your own bag or better yet, have your dog wear his own backpack (available at DOGSAFE) so that he may carry his own water bottle! For a special treat, give your dog a “pupsicle” or ice cubes made from frozen, diluted chicken broth. Take your dog swimming, hose him down, mist with water or provide hours of fun with a kids wading pool for your dog to chill out in.
6. Be aware of hot, black asphalt and beach sand. Your dog’s paw pads provide some protection but not enough to combat the high temperatures that these surfaces can reach on a hot day. If pads become burned, immediately flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce any inflammation and follow up with your veterinarian.
7. Keep long hair well groomed to allow maximum air to flow through the hair. Your groomer may shave the coat but not down to the skin as the hair provides some sun protection. We have an awesome grooming tool from Oster that really reduces the undercoat.
Michelle Sevigny
© 2010 Michelle Sevigny. www.dogsafe.ca. Reprint permission granted with full copyright intact.
1. NEVER leave your dog in the car on a warm, sunny day as temperatures can sore to over a 100 F within a few minutes regardless if the windows are open an inch or two or the car is parked in the shade. Older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and those with heart or respiratory problems generally have a harder time regulating heat. Breeds with short muzzles such as bulldogs and pugs cannot pant efficiently and should be kept cool.
2. Know the signs of heat stroke which are heavy panting, profuse sweating from paw pads, thick saliva, dry mouth, gums redder than normal, high body temperatures (above 105F), weakness and more serious signs that include nausea, diarrhea, breathing problems, muscle tremors, seizures and collapse. If heat stroke is suspected, immediately lower body temperature by spraying with tepid to cool water (NOT COLD WATER as constricts blood vessels and impedes the cooling process), covering with towels soaked in tepid to cool water and placing the dog in front of a fan. Follow up with a veterinarian is essential as there may be internal organ damage.
3. Limit sun exposure as dogs can get sunburn and skin cancer, especially those with short, white hair and pink skin. The tips of the ears, the nose, inside legs and abdomen are the areas most at risk. Human sunscreen may cause drooling, diarrhea or increased thirst if ingested and it is best to use a sunscreen that is approved safe for pets (available at DOGSAFE). If your dog does experience sunburn, seen as red skin and hair loss, flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest and walk the dog in the early morning or late evening. Be aware of your dog’s physical activity level and do not demand too much; even walking in beach sand is more strenuous than walking on grass. Various cooling jackets will be available soon at DOGSAFE.
5. Always have cool water available to drink and to cool off in. Carry a water bottle and collapsible bowl in your own bag or better yet, have your dog wear his own backpack (available at DOGSAFE) so that he may carry his own water bottle! For a special treat, give your dog a “pupsicle” or ice cubes made from frozen, diluted chicken broth. Take your dog swimming, hose him down, mist with water or provide hours of fun with a kids wading pool for your dog to chill out in.
6. Be aware of hot, black asphalt and beach sand. Your dog’s paw pads provide some protection but not enough to combat the high temperatures that these surfaces can reach on a hot day. If pads become burned, immediately flush the area with cool water to reduce skin temperature, relieve pain and reduce any inflammation and follow up with your veterinarian.
7. Keep long hair well groomed to allow maximum air to flow through the hair. Your groomer may shave the coat but not down to the skin as the hair provides some sun protection. We have an awesome grooming tool from Oster that really reduces the undercoat.
Michelle Sevigny
© 2010 Michelle Sevigny. www.dogsafe.ca. Reprint permission granted with full copyright intact.
