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During the summer, a lot of time is spent outside enjoying the warmer weather with your family and four-legged friends. But higher temperatures that you can easily tolerate feel much hotter to your dog. Just 75° F can potentially become dangerous for a dog if conditions are not monitored properly. It is especially important to note that you should never leave your dog in a parked car. Temperatures inside the car are significantly higher than they are outside, even if it is only 70° F outside. We know how much your furry companions mean to you, so here are some tips to help them stay cool, as well as warning signs of negative effects due to the heat.

Walks

They love them, you love them, but when is the best time to walk your dog in the summer? Generally, if the sidewalk or pavement is too hot for you to leave your hand on for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot on your dog’s feet. It’s best to go on walks early in the morning or late in the evening, before or after the sun has come up.

Staying Hydrated

Making sure you dog has access to water at all times is very important. The only way for a dog to cool itself off is by panting, but this isn’t always enough. Try putting ice in with their water to make it extra refreshing. Maybe find a DIY recipe for a yummy frozen treat they can enjoy, or even freeze some of their favorite snacks in a big block of ice. They’ll stay cool and entertained at the same time!

Knowing the signs for dehydration in dogs is equally as important. Be sure to look for sunken eyes, lethargy, and a dry mouth. Lightly pinch the skin at the top of their neck and see if it’s slow to snap back. If it is, take them inside, where there’s access to water.

Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is serious and potentially fatal if not treated immediately. The symptoms to look out for in your dog include a raised temperature (anything above 101° F), rapid panting/breathing, excess salivation, and thicker saliva, fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If these signs occur, take your dog inside and get in contact with your vet. In the meantime, give them access to chilled water, put cool towels on their bellies and underarms, and point a fan in their direction. Just make sure their temperature does not decrease too quickly so you don’t shock their system.

Safe Fun in the Sun

You can, of course, still spend time outside with your pups, just as long you are aware of your environment. Some safe ways to enjoy play time include: filling a kiddie pool with water and letting them splash around, spending the day at a dog-friendly lake or other body of water, or staying inside and teaching them some new tricks!

In short, make sure your dogs have access to plenty of water and stay smart and have fun!

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