Can your pup take the heat?

With the recent local heat wave, I decided to give you a few quick tips to help keep your pooch nice and cool this summer,
If your pup is a mostly outside, or yard dog, be sure to provide lots of shade, cool water with ice cubes in it, and a retreat back inside during the hottest hours of the day (between 3 pm and 4:30 pm each afternoon)

Another cool trick is to use the "Kong" chewtoy that your dog already loves. stuff it with wet food or peanut butter, then freeze it. It's a great way to keep your dog both entertained and nice and cool. Fun ice cubes filled with healthy snacks like peas or carrots are another great way to beat the heat!

 Something else to keep in mind, is that a dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102 degrees. So when we're hot, they are too. Watch closely for signs of heatstroke like, panting hard, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, dazed look, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and/or tongue and vomiting. If you suspect a heat-induced illness in your dog, gradually lower his body temperature by moving him to the shade or air conditioning, apply cold packs to his head, neck or belly, or immerse in cool (not cold) water, and then take him to the vet immediately.

 

Speaking of cold packs, I've seen some pretty awesome stuff coming out on the market designed specifically for the furriest of our friends. Collars, vests, and beds, all made to either hold ice packs in them, or actually are ice packs themselves, made to be frozen and then worn on those hot days.

Summer can be a great time for both man and man's best friend. With just a couple of extra precautions, both you and Fido can enjoy your fun in the sun!

 

-Ryan

 

P.S. Don't forget to grab your copy of The Pet Connection from the Fort Fido lobby. This issue features another great article by local trainer and Fort Fido friend Garrett Stevens, this time the topic is dealing with fearfulness in dogs.