| When the weather turns hot, your dog's health is | | | | Despite what many people think, some dogs |
| at greater risk. Not only does the heat itself pose | | | | swim poorly. Unfortunately, canines know the |
| a problem (we'll explain why in a moment), but | | | | water will provide welcome relief from the heat, |
| the summer months bring pool parties, barbecues, | | | | so they often jump in. If you own a pool, and it is |
| and hot asphalt. Below, you'll understand why | | | | unsupervised, make sure it is kept off-limits to |
| these and other factors can harm your pet during | | | | your pet. When you or your family are using the |
| the hot weather. | | | | pool, keep your eye on your dog to ensure he |
| Provide Plenty Of Hydration And Shade | | | | doesn't jump in untended. |
| Regardless of the weather, your canine becomes | | | | Protect His Paws |
| dehydrated more quickly than you. This is | | | | Asphalt heats quickly in the summer. Moreover, |
| because he doesn't sweat as effectively as | | | | the heat remains baked inside throughout the day. |
| people, so his body lacks an internal A/C. He has | | | | This poses two problems for your canine. First, |
| no way to cool down effectively. When you take | | | | because he is low to the ground, and heat rises, |
| him for a brisk walk, especially in hot weather, he'll | | | | walking on hot asphalt will cause his body |
| tire quickly. | | | | temperature to rise. Second, during hot weather, |
| Make sure he has plenty of water to drink. At | | | | the extreme heat of the asphalt can harm his |
| home, keep his bowl filled (make sure it doesn't | | | | paws. They are sensitive, and will blister after |
| flip over). On walks, take a water bottle and cup, | | | | prolonged exposure to the asphalt. |
| and give him water at regular intervals. Also, bring | | | | When taking your dog for walks, do so in the |
| your canine indoors whenever you're at home | | | | morning before the temperature has risen, or in |
| during the summer, and provide a doghouse to | | | | the evening after the heat has dissipated. If |
| which he can retreat while you're gone. He'll need | | | | possible, visit parks where he can walk on grass. |
| shade to prevent overheating. | | | | Confine Him During Parties |
| Make An Appointment With The Veterinarian | | | | When you host summer parties in your home, |
| A quick trip to your pet's veterinarian is valuable | | | | you may be tempted to let your canine mingle |
| before the hot weather arrives. This gives the | | | | with your friends. This can pose a problem if |
| vet a chance to examine him, and look for signs | | | | you're serving food and alcohol, or your guests |
| that suggest your canine is especially vulnerable to | | | | bring their own. Your dog's body is ill-equipped to |
| the heat. This is also a good time to have him | | | | digest certain types of foods. Some items, such |
| tested for heartworms. They are often | | | | as grapes and chocolate, can be poisonous to him, |
| transmitted by mosquitoes, and can lead to | | | | and cause serious health issues. |
| severe health issues. | | | | If your guests are indoors, leave your canine |
| Don't Leave Your Dog In A Parked Car | | | | outside. If everyone is outside, place him in his |
| When you need to run into a store, and intend to | | | | crate (check on him periodically). He may not |
| be back at your car within minutes, it's tempting | | | | enjoy being kept away from the party, but you'll |
| to leave your dog inside. Don't do it. During the | | | | be better able to protect him if you don't need to |
| summer, the temperature in your vehicle will rise | | | | worry about the foods he'll eat. |
| quickly, even with the windows slightly open. Many | | | | Your dog's health is always at risk, but this is |
| canines suffer heat stroke when their owners | | | | especially the case during the summer months. |
| leave them cooped up inside their vehicles. | | | | Keep the above suggestions in mind when the |
| Provide Protection Near Water | | | | temperature outside begins to rise. |