Tips for a Safe Summer
As a dog owner or foster, it's important to keep our dogs happy and comfortable as the seasons change! The hotter months can be a challenge for dog parents for many reasons, so I wanted to share some of the tips I've learned over the years and hopefully keep all of our pups safe and smiling during the summer months!
avoid Fireworks
I always try to remain calm, avoid walking him while the fireworks are actively going off, and keep some music on in my apartment, and thankfully he seems to fair well (CBD treats, creating a "safe space" for them in your home, and distracting them with fun toys and treats can be helpful if your pup still shows signs of stress).
watch out for Excessive Heat
If your dog is anything like my MPR alum, the summer is always the time to be on high alert as he heats up pretty quickly. I'm not only talking about when it's 95-100 degrees, you may also notice that your pup can overheat on a beautiful 75 or 80-degree day when we as humans may not be feeling the heat as much as they are. Although it may not look the same for all dogs, some general signs of overheating are excessive panting or salivating, labored breathing, lethargy, and bright red tongue/gums.
Keep them hydrated
One of the most important things you can do for your pup is to make sure they stay hydrated at all times. I have a portable water bottle that is my (and my dog's) most trusted summer essential! When going on walks or in the car for a drive, I make sure to offer him small amounts of water every 15-20 minutes to give his stomach time to absorb it, and I bring a large water bottle to fill it up again if necessary. Sometimes I even douse him with the cool water (not ice cold!) if I can feel his body is heating up. When we get back from a walk and I can tell he's warm, I give him an ice cube as a treat and he absolutely loves it!
Stay indoors
On days when it's blistering hot for us humans, it would be best to keep your dog indoors with the AC on as much as possible. I tend to feed my dog dinner or snacks with a snuffle or lick mat, or practice training/learning new tricks when it's not feasible to get as much exercise as we normally get. Mental enrichment can tire them out just as much (if not more!) than physical exercise. Take your dog out early in the morning before the sun is at its peak and in the evening once the sun sets. Your dog's paw pads will thank you!
Protect your dog's paws from hot pavement
This is also a big one! It's important to make sure you're not walking your dog on pavement that can burn their pads. As a general rule, if it's too hot for your hand to touch for five full seconds, it's too hot for your pup’s sensitive paws!
Fun frozen treats
As I previously mentioned, a simple ice cube can do the trick, but why not make it more exciting? This can be done in so many different ways but I'll tell you a few of my dog's favorites. Putting some plain yogurt with strawberries or bananas in an ice tray is an easy and tasty treat that will also aid in cooling them down. Kongs are a great tool and you can use anything your dog likes (a tablespoon of canned pumpkin, diced carrots, apples, sweet potato, xylitol-free peanut butter, etc) and pop it in the freezer overnight!
A few other important methods of keeping our furry friends thriving in any weather is maintaining a healthy weight. Beyond the obvious reasons why this is important, it is harder for an overweight dog to cool down than if they were at a healthy weight. Keep them properly groomed as matted hair can trap heat. Never leave your dog unattended in a car, this can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. Always remember to call your vet if you see any signs of heatstroke or severe overheating.
In the end, all of us here at Muddy Paws wish you and your family (both two and four legged of course) have a great summer! If you are interested in fostering or adopting with us, don’t hesitate to fill out an application on our website, we’re eager to have you as part of The Pack!
Tara is a dedicated Muddy Paws volunteer on our adoptions team helping with matchmaking pups and their future families! She adopted Blu (@goodboi_blu.stone) from Muddy Paws in 2020 and later found out her friend also adopted Hazel (pictured above) from Muddy Paws in 2016!
Disclaimer: If you are concerned about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian. The advice provided in this article is not meant to replace the recommendations of a healthcare professional.
