Your
Dog's Health - 7 Easy Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer
As the days
grow longer, your canine companion has a new, deadly challenge to her
health: the heat. Luckily, with a little planning and a few simple changes
in her environment, you can arm her for a summer of fun in the sun.
Cool,
clean water.
Your dog uses water to maintain its body temperature. On hot days, she
can quickly become dehydrated if she doesn’t have plenty of cool,
clean water. She should have constant access to at least two water bowls
- one inside and one outside.
Clean the
bowls daily and refill them often with cool water. If your dog will
be unattended during the day, you should strongly consider purchasing
or constructing an automated waterer that will keep the water bowl filled
at all times.
Traveling
water.
Going to the park for a picnic or the beach for a fun day in the surf
is a big part of your family’s summer. When packing the picnic
basket, however, don’t forget to pack water and a bowl for your
pooch. Don’t rely on potable water being handy at your destination;
a locked hydrant or spigot could leave you high and dry. Remember, also,
that dogs at the dog park treat water bowls as community property. Bring
enough water to cover your dog as well as a few other dogs whose owners
are not so prepared.
Shade.
In the heat of the day, the sun can quickly become deadly. Your dog
must have a broad selection of areas to lie down out of the sun, preferably
on a mat, grass, or clean sand. Any dog run should be constructed with
a large covered area designed to release the heat. A dog house is not
sufficient shade; the structure will absorb the heat of the sun and
trap it.
Breeze.
Dog runs or even smaller yards that are solidly enclosed on three or
more sides do not make acceptable pens. A more open structure allows
heat from the sun to dissipate, even on a calm day. If your yard is
solidly enclosed or you live in an area with high ambient temperatures,
an industrial fan coupled with a misting system can drop the temperature
by 10 to 20 degrees.
Puppy
pool.
Dogs love to swim. In the summer, they love getting out of the water
even more. Any water trapped in their coat evaporates, taking excess
body heat with it.
You can create
a desert oasis for your pup with a child’s plastic pool, sized
appropriately so your dog can climb in and out without trouble. Fill
the pool with just enough water so they can lie down, covering their
body but keeping their head high and dry. An inexpensive pond pump and
filter can save a lot of water; while it doesn’t eliminate the
need to periodically drain and clean the pool, it does greatly extend
the period.
Just like
a child, your dog needs close supervision around a deep, human pool.
Many dogs drown each year trying to climb out over the high sides of
a human pool.
Schedule
change.
Playing and exercise are important for any dog. In the summer, though,
change play time to early morning and late afternoon when the temperature
is lower. Reserve the middle of the day for long naps in a shady spot
with a cool breeze.
Grooming.
Many breeds develop heavy undercoats in the cool winter months. That
layer of insulation both absorbs the heat of the sun and traps body
heat. Frequent brushings or a trip to the groomer for a shave will do
wonders for keeping your dog cool.
Summer is
a special time for the whole family. Following these easy steps will
keep a fun summer from becoming deadly.
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