Alexandria, VA – Summer is fun for humans and dogs alike, but a few commonsense suggestions may make it happier for both you and your pup. Some dogs are susceptible to heat, regardless of breed or coat length. On really hot days, shorter walks and inside activities that provide good mental stimulation for your dog can keep your dog safe and happy.
Here are a few good tips to keep in mind as the dog days of summer approach:
- The five-second rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot to walk your dog.
- Avoid walking or exercising your dog during the middle of the day. Go early in the morning and after sunset. Asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks can become extremely hot, potentially damaging a dog’s footpads.
- Mental stimulation is as essential as physical exercise for your dog. Ten minutes of mental training exercises is equal to a half-hour walk. There are many training games, including scent games, hide-and-seek recall games, tricks, and impulse control exercises, that you can do with your dog very effectively at home, while still tiring out your pup.
- Never leave your dog tied outside unattended in summer. If your dog spends time in a crate, ensure it is in an air-conditioned environment or cooled with a fan.
- Take your dog swimming rather than running. Check out the Swimply app.
- Buy a kiddie pool for your yard, fill it with water, and place your dog’s favorite toys inside. Teach your dog to play in a sprinkler pad or hose.
- Keep your pup in a cool, air-conditioned area during intense heat, but avoid abrupt temperature changes.
- Don’t shave your dog down to the skin unless you would typically do so with the breed (such as a Cocker Spaniel or a Poodle). Less hair does not make the dog cooler. Nature has designed dogs with thick or double coats (such as Goldens, Huskies, and Akitas) to channel air through their fur to their skin, helping keep them cool.
- Keep your dog’s coat in good condition by brushing him regularly and removing trapped dead hair. This is a great time to check for ticks, lumps, or bumps.
- Inside the house, ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. Bring water for them when going outside, just as you do for yourself. Our dogs get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and they can quickly become dehydrated without sufficient water. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive drooling. In general, if you and your dog are outside in the heat, provide ample water and seek shade to cool down during the outing.
- Know the symptoms of pet overheating, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. A body temperature over 104 degrees warrants immediate vet care.
Bonus Tip: Keep your pets away from fireworks. Summer is the perfect time for barbecues, picnics, and outdoor celebrations, such as the 4th of July. While people may enjoy a big, bright “bada boom,” fireworks can scare our pets, frequently causing them to run away or become disoriented. During the display, keep them away from exterior doors and in an escape-proof room. Use white noise or soft music to mask the fireworks, and consider using a thundershirt. Finally, speak with your veterinarian about situational medication options to help keep your dog calm during the celebrations.
Wholistic Hound Academy wishes all our clients, friends, and furry family pets an awesome, happy, and safe summer!
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy, wholisitchound.com. Follow on social media, @wholistichound
