Are you ready for the dog days of summer? Longer summer evenings and warmer temperatures mean it’s easy to spend more time outside playing or traveling with your dog. But as fun as summer is, the heat that comes with it poses some health challenges and risks.
Here’s how you can keep your dog safe and healthy while making the most of your summer days.
Take steps to prevent overheating
Just like us, dogs can experience heat stress. Unlike us, they can’t sweat to cool down. Keep your dog cool by:
- Putting cooling mats around the house for them to lay on
- Ensuring they have access to indoors and well-ventilated shady areas
- Avoiding walks and strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, leave those activities for the early morning or late afternoon/ evening when the temperature is cooler
- Filling and freezing enrichment toys and puzzle feeders for a nice cold treat
Do you know the signs of heat stress?
Heat stress, also known as heat stroke, can be fatal if left untreated. Brachycephalic breeds, like French Bulldogs, Boxers, and English Bulldogs, are at a higher risk of overheating.
Know the signs of heat stress in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Bright red gums
- Salivation
- Vomiting
- Anxious pacing
- Uncoordinated movement, stumbling
- Seizures or strange behaviour
- Collapse
If you think your dog is experiencing heat stress, call your closest veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap
Here in Australia, the sun can be dangerous. Skin cancer and sunburn affects not only humans, but our pets too – especially if they thin coats or areas of light pink skin.
Protect your dog from the sun by applying a pet-safe sunscreen to their most at-risk areas – particularly their nose, ears, underbelly, and any areas of pink skin. Where possible, keep them inside during the middle of the day, when the UV index is at its highest.
Encourage hydration
Hydration is important all year round, but especially during the hot summer months. Make sure your dog always has access to water at home. Consider using a water fountain – many pets prefer to drink from flowing water over a bowl.
Depending on where you go out with your dog, there’s no guarantee they’ll have dog water fountains to drink from. Be prepared and carry a collapsible bowl or pet water bottle with you.
Protect your dog from pests
While fleas, ticks, and worms are an issue all year round, they become more active in the warmer months. Protect your dog by staying up to date with their parasite prevention treatments.
If you’re travelling with your dog, make sure to check the parasite threat level of the area(s) you’re visiting – different parasite species prefer different climates. The parasite preventative your dog gets at home may not provide enough protection for other areas around the country. If you’re uncertain, ask your local Greencross Vets for their recommendations on how you can best protect your dog from parasites while travelling.
In addition to fleas, ticks, and worms, flies and mosquitoes are another insect annoyance that can irritate your pet, especially on evening walks or camping trips. To keep these buzzing nuisances away from your dog, consider applying pet-safe insect repellents like Repel-X.
Provide comfort during storms
Some dogs with noise phobias are petrified of thunderstorms. If your dog is scared of thunder, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their fear and anxiety:
- Set up a safe space for them, like a crate in a low-traffic space in the house, that’s available for them to hide in. Fill it with their favourite treats and toys.
- If you know a storm is coming, give your dog calming supplements or chews a few hours before.
- Consider trying a Thundershirt and synthetic calming pheromones like Adaptil.
- During calm times, slowly start desensitising them to the sounds of thunder.
- If their phobia is severe, speak to your veterinarian about what medical options may help them.