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You love taking your dog with you everywhere you go, but what if your destination doesn’t allow dogs? What do you do? Leave your pet in the car? That’s fine on cool days but now that it is summer it’s too hot. Temperatures inside a closed car can soar to over 100 degrees (even on those spring and fall days when it’s not even that hot outside) and a closed car can heat up in just minutes. Also, remember that your dog wears a fur coat 24/7 and they are only able to cool off by panting, so never muzzle your dog on hot days. If possible, when it’s too hot, leave your dog at home (indoors or in the shade, always with water). If you do have to make a quick stop, leave someone in the car with the dog so the windows can stay down. Exercising with your Dog If your dog likes to join you on a run, make sure, on really hot days, that you go early in the morning or later in the day. Your pet may try and keep pace with you no matter what the temperature, putting them at risk for heat stroke. My dog is always ready to go for a walk or run regardless of how hot it is outside so I take her out for her walk early in the morning and keep her inside the cool house during the hottest part of the day. A dog’s normal body temperature runs between 100 – 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature between 104 -106 is considered moderate heatstroke with a good chance of recovery if prompt first aid is administered. If the dog’s temperature does rise to 106 degrees or more, they need immediate veterinary care. If you do notice your dog is panting excessively, has a bright red tongue, red or pale gums and thick, sticky saliva, it is likely they are suffering from heat stroke. You should get them out of the heat and into a cool area immediately and wet them down with cool water. Have them drink some water and check your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Get them to a vet as soon as possible. Mosquitoes, Fleas and Ticks Make sure your pet is up to date on their flea, tick and heartworm medication. Not only can these pests be a huge irritant to your dog, mosquito bites can spread heartworm, which can be fatal. Antifreeze Don’t let your dog drink from those puddles on the street or in a driveway – they may contain antifreeze. Believe me, I know that’s a tough one. My dog barely slows down but that tongue is so fast she manages to test any puddle she walks past. I keep an eye out and detour around any puddles altogether. Water Safety Not all dogs can swim so if you’re out at the lake, never throw your dog into the water. If you take your dog out on your boat, it’s advisable to get them their own personal doggie life jacket – just in case. Read more about heartworm prevention at: www.a1-dogs.com
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