Overheating can be life-threatening if your dog is unable to quickly bring his or her temperature back down. Prevention is the key. here are 8 tips for keeping your dog safe this summer by preventing heat stress and heat stroke.
1. Limit direct sun exposure between 10am-4pm
2. Provide frequent access to fresh drinking water
3. Provide shade if needed – a sun umbrella works well
Or in a pinch, let your dog stand in your own shadow if it’s large enough.
4. Wet down you dog’s fur often, including their ear flaps and their abdomen
5. Encourage your dog to wade or swim in clean water
6. Take breaks in the shade
7. Use cooling gear
Consider cooling vests, bandanas, and mats, such as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler. Note that cooling vests and bandanas only work if they are continuously kept wet.
8. Never ever leave dogs in cars on hot days
Even parked in the shade or with windows open, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and become lethal.
Be cautious with exercising your dog (keep the duration and intensity very low and keep an eye on them. If panting a lot, stop the activity entirely, retreat to shade, water them down and offer them a drink.) To learn more about the signs of heat stress, heat stroke and what to do, see this related article.
By keeping your dog cool, you and your furry buddy can safely enjoy dogpacking adventures this summer.
