Now that the fourth of July fireworks have died down, your pet is probably finally starting to relax. But with temperatures creeping up, we want to give you a refresher course on keeping your pups safe in the heat.
Trim, but don’t shave their fur. Fur actually protects dogs from sunburn and overheating, so don’t cut their hair too short during the summer months. Some short-haired dogs even need sunscreen!
Make sure they have plenty of water. Just like us, dogs need extra fluid in warmer months, so make sure their water bowl stays full. Try adding ice cubes on especially hot days for a fun treat.
Know what overheating looks like. The ASPCA says, “excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse” can all be signs of overheating. Additionally, symptoms can also include “seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.”
Do not leave them in the car. If you’ve ever sat down on a leather seat in July, you know it gets very toasty. Our furry friends cannot sweat, so it becomes even more dangerous for them to be left in a hot car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can easily reach three-digit temperatures even if the outside temperature isn’t that hot.
Check the sidewalks when you walk. Asphalt and concrete get incredibly hot when it’s sunny, and since most dogs don’t wear shoes everywhere, their paws are at risk of serious burns. When you walk your dog, put your hand on the surface – if you can barely hold it there without discomfort, maybe try a walk in a grassy park or wait until the sun isn’t so high in the sky.
We hope the rest of your summer is filled with fun times for you and your pet. If you have any questions regarding pet insurance, please call our office – we’d love to help.
