Help Your Dog Survive Summer Heat

In many regions of the nation this spring season has brought unseasonably hot temperatures. Whether this is the result of global warming or just periodic seasonal variation isn't certain, but one thing sure is that the high temperatures and humidity are resulting in a heat index that can provide serious health risks if precautions are not taken.

Most of us are aware of life style changes we must take during excessive summer temperature months, but many times we fail to consider the effect that soaring temperatures can have on our outside pets. While pets use instinct to seek relief from excessive heat options available to them are very limited. As a result our outdoor pets are very dependent on us to help them avoid heat related risks to their health.

In the absence of owner care and precautions many pets die each year from owner neglect or ignorance with regard to proper care of pets during extended heat spells. Just this week, three cases were reported in my local paper in which dogs died from heat exhaustion/stroke as a result of being chained to a dog house in an area without benefit of shade and no access to water. Empty water bowls were found on site.

There are simple steps we as pet owners can take to help our pets survive the risks of summer heat. Many of these are just common sense, but unless pet owners develop a discipline to care for their pets as consciously and routinely as we care for ourselves we will put our best friends at risk.

Following are some basic steps that can be taken to protect your outside pet from heat exhaustion and stroke:

Avoid at all costs chaining or tying your dog to a dog house or other fixed point in which he can not find shelter. If the dog must be confined enclose him within a fenced area in which he is free to seek shade or other shelter.

If you must restrain your dog without benefit of a fenced in area select an area that provides shade throughout the day ( a dog house is not sufficient). If shade does not exist create an effective shaded area with open exposure on all sides to allow air to circulate. Effective shade shelters can be made using an inexpensive plastic tarp.

Relocate the dog's bedding from the dog house to the shaded shelter.

While the following may sound extreme I have taken the extra step of freezing water in two one-liter soda bottles and placing these on opposite sides of my dog's bed during the hottest part of the day. I found my dog looks forward to my bring out these bottles even above his anticipation of feeding. The bottles provide a cooling effect for up to four hours on even the warmest day. On exteremly hot days I refreeze the bottles and return them to the dog bed for nightime comfort.

Always provide two or more sources of water for your pet. These are best suited for summer use when they hold two or more quarts of water. To prevent the dog from turning the bowl over and losing his water source place the water bowl in a plastic tray three inches wider in diameter than the bowl and then fill in around the bowl with play sand to lock the bowl in place.

While dogs need exercise as much as we do it is never advisable to jog or run with your dog on a leash during summer months. As a result of its' limited ability to dissipate heat a dog is much more vulnerable to heat stroke and heat exhaustion than are we. Dogs with thick coats and those with shorter snouts are much more vulnerable.

When walking your dog in summer heat always carry a supply of cool water for the dog and stop periodically to allow him to drink until his thirst is satisfied. One convenient way to provide water for your dog during a walk is to carry the water in a two quart sized zip-top freezer bag. The bag may be opened and rolled back as you hold it open for the dog to drink.

It is also advisable to wet down your dog's coat and his paw pads during long, hot walks.

We all know to never leave a dog in a parked car during the summer months. This includes a parked car with windows rolled down and even a car parked in shade. Dogs have died in over heated cars left in the shade as the result of the greenhouse effect.

Experienced Veterinarians also advise against allowing your dog to ride in a car with his head protruding from an open window. While most dogs love this there is danger of flying bugs, leaves, road debris damaging the dog's eyes.

Veterinarians also caution pet owners with outdoor swimming pools to deny pet access to the pool area unless there is supervision available. Unfenced pools are a risk to dogs as they may either intentionally jump or inadvertently fall into a pool with no exist access. Several dozen dogs each year from drowning after getting into pools and having no way out.

The above are some tips for helping your dog survive the summer heat. Hopefully, some of these will be of benefit to you and your dog.