June 23rd, 2010
by Randy Son of Robert on Flickr
Not the hamburger and hot dog kind of hot dog. That dog. The one that will be panting, thirsty, and hot during those outdoor festivals, art shows and 4th of July picnics that are all part of summertime fun.
I see dogs at these types of events all of the time – panting, tongues lolling – are they having fun? Hopefully. But heatstoke happens. An unfortunately common event in hot weather.
Dogs can be part of the fun, but only with proper preparations and common sense, since we know dogs won’t stop playing even if they are too hot or tired.
Hot Summer Day Dog Checklist
Water and dog dish
It is a nobrainer, yet I have forgotten to pack water for the dogs (and for the humans, too!) in the hub-bub of trying to get out the door for a family trip. It can be done, but trying to get the dogs to drink out of cup takes patience, and well … a dog-friendly dish is just easier.
Spray Bottle
A spray bottle purchased just for water, clearly marked “water only,” is an inexpensive way to keep your pets (and family) cool. Great way to keep kids entertained, too.
Towels
A wet towel works as an evaporative “cooling vest” especially for dogs not fond of swimming. Commercially made dog cooling vests are also available.
Protect their feet
I had to wet down a beach towel for Sophie to stand on once when we were in a very hot, arid area on black tarmac, because she had nowhere to stand! The towel saved her feet from foot pad burns. Booties for dogs are available at many retail outlets.
Dogs that run with their humans are at risk for foot pad burns and injuries – this is an injury you may not notice until the feet are quite painful. Try to keep dogs on grass to avoid problems.
Sunblock
For some white/light-skinned animals, sunburn and skin cancer are possible. Keep your pet in the shade when possible and speak to your vet about an appropriate sunblock for your pet.
Some dogs (and cats) are hotter than others
Coat color does make a difference. Overweight pets have a harder time with hot weather. Dogs and cats with short noses (brachycephalic breeds) may have breathing difficulties and more prone to heatstroke.
Dogs in Parked Cars
My single biggest “pet peeve” is dogs left in parked cars on a warm or hot day. My local animal control is on extra patrol this year, with notices in the papers asking citizens to call in when they see an animal locked in a car.
Tip: program your animal control in your cell phone. Also, as I recently found out, they will probably ask for the license number and make of the car. My animal control sends follow up letters to homes.
Related: Have you helped a pet locked in a car?
Photo: Patriotic Pampered Pocket Pooch Posing Proudly by Randy Son of Robert on Flickr
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Posted in K9 Care, K9 Fun, K9 Health | 1 Comment »
One Response to “Hot Dog Checklist”
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Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM never planned to be a writer. She wanted to be a veterinarian from the moment she learned such a job existed - sometime during the first grade, when she accompanied her mom to the vet with a sick cat. Janet "adopted" all the neighborhood cats, and at age 11 she started training her first dog, a newly adopted rescue Collie. At age 12, she joined a dog obedience 4-H club and was active through high school as a member and as a junior leader.
- DrJTC: Sorry for the delay – just now saw your comment. Good point. I am lucky to live in a relatively bug-free...
- Kathleen Winn: Great tips! We live in the country so our dog is a regular “wilderness adventurer.” Our...
- AboutVetMed: Thanks, Deb! I was relieved we ended up with something to submit.
- Deb: Loved this story. Your “HairBear” turned out really cute.
- Jenni Meyer: Dave, Millions of dogs in this country are killed every day. I applaud what you are doing and had no...
[...] about dogs and summer heat – burnned pads, heatstroke, and noise. Be sure to check out the Hot Dog Checklist to keep your best friend safe this summer. Share with your [...]