Summertime is here and in full swing! It’s tempting to spend as much time as possible outside as you can. But with all this outside time, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with extended periods of time outside.
During these long periods of time outside, your dog can be especially susceptible to heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
If you are going outside for an extended period of time, here are a few things you can do to make sure you dog stays safe:
Stay Hydrated
Make sure your dog has access to fresh and clean water at all times that they are outside. You can even add ice cubes if you think it’s extra hot outside.
Find Some Shade
During peak sunlight hours, make sure your dog has access to shade. You can either set up an umbrella, or find a tree to help them stay cool.
Avoid Overexertion
Make sure to keep exercise sessions nice and short during the summer months. If you want to spend longer periods of time outside, choose the early morning or evening when the sun isn’t in full force.
Keeping a pulse on how your dog is doing is critical for their health. Here are the signs of heat exhaustion to look out for:
- Abnormally lethargic with lots of panting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
A lot of people don’t realize that when dogs are overheated, their symptoms are often GI related issues. If you think your pet is overheated or has had a heat stroke, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately for support.
By taking the necessary precautions and recognizing what overheating looks like for your dogs, you can easily have a fun and safe summer with your furry friend!
