1) DO NOT leave your dog in the car on a warm day...
This sounds obvious but is so very important it bears repeating. Even on what seems like a mild 70 degree day, the inside of your vehicle can reach temperatures of over 90 degrees in a matter of minutes. Having the windows down can help; however, you are opening yourself to a world of liabilities and insurance nightmares if your dog is able to stick his/her head out of the window. Plus, living in such a dog-friendly area means there are armies of folks who will be more than happy to bust out your windows or call the police to save your furbaby from sitting in the oven your car becomes. Do everyone a favor and just leave your pooch at home while you run your errands!
2) Keep paws off hot asphalt...
The hottest times of the day are typically from 1-4pm, during which time roads and sidewalks and rocky beaches can turn into griddles. The sensitive pads of your dog's paws can easily be burnt when temperatures are over 80 degrees and the sun has been baking the streets for hours. If you're not able to stay in the shade it's best to take your strolls with pup in the mornings or once the sun is no longer directly beaming on the roads, typically after 6pm or later.
3) Make sure pup has access to water AT ALL TIMES...
If your dog is primarily and outside dweller, provide her with ample shade and keep a large basin of fresh, cool water nearby constantly. And why not also leave out a shallow kiddie pool for her to splash around in for fun?! Your inside dogs need the same: even if you are one of the few folks in the Pacific Northwest who have A/C in the house, it is imperative that you keep a supply of clean water available ALWAYS. It is recommended that dogs receive 8 to 17 ounces of water per 10 lbs she weighs every day, and even more is needed if she is active and/or the weather is warm. [There are 128 ounces per gallon, so a 40 lb dog needs at least 1/2 a gallon of water per day.]
4) Practice water safety when playing at the bay or lakes...
DO NOT assume your dog knows how to properly swim! Yes, pups are naturally good swimmers, but that is no guarantee your dog will get the hang of it at first...practice practice practice in shallow water with your dog many times before taking him to deeper waters, and NEVER leave him unattended. When boating it is highly recommended that you put pooch in a lifejacket: even a skilled doggie swimmer can panic in deep, open water! And never let your dog go in water that you yourself are not willing and able to get into should you need to help him in an emergency. Also, keep an eye on your pup that he DOES NOT drink water from the sources in which you are playing. Saltwater and parasites and sewage in lakes and creeks can be extremely hazardous to his health!
5) Watch out for heatstroke...
Even in fairly mild heat and with little exertion your dog is susceptible to heatstroke. Be on the lookout for symptoms: heavy panting and/or drooling, unusual lethargy, vomiting, and fever (warm, dry nose and hot ears). Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog might be suffering, try to give him fluids and get him to a cool area while you speak to his provider. To avoid this potentially life-threatening condition keep dogs inside as much as possible, particularly during the hottest times of day, keep exercise times short and to cooler parts of the day like mornings and evenings.
For even more tips and ideas to help keep your furbabies cool, we recommend checking out the Summer Pet Safety section of PetFinder.com!
