Heat Awareness: Don't Forget Your Dog!
White Poodle Outside (Courtesy: MobilityDog.org)
Warmer temperatures can negatively affect our dogs for many reasons including age, weight, breed and humidity
Don’t Wait for Summer
When it comes to protecting your precious furry family member, don’t wait until it’s “summertime!” Even mild temperatures can negatively affect your dog long before summer. Mild, lower temperatures can challenge your dog’s comfort and breathing, so be alert!
Avoid Taking Your Dog Out When it’s Hotter
The National Weather Service cautions people to avoid overexertion between the hours of 11am and 6pm. This is also a great rule of thumb for your canine especially with their warm fur coat! Depending on where you live, you may need to adjust the hours to earlier and later in the day. Always err on the side of caution and safety for your furry best friend!
Brown Poodle Outside Wearing Dog Booties to Protect His Paws (Courtesy: MobilityDog.org)
K9 Heat-Related Issues
Prolonged exposure to hot and/or humid environments can cause a life-threatening K9 emergency called heatstroke. This is because dogs can only dissipate heat by panting and through the sweat glands on their paws. In addition, dogs with dark-colored coats or underlying heart or breathing conditions are at a much higher risk for heatstroke.
Excessive panting and drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weakness or collapse and bloody diarrhea all require immediate vet intervention. (Source: Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health)
Should You Shave YOUR Dog?
While shaving a dog may seem like a good idea to keep them cooler in warmer weather, most dogs should NEVER be shaved.
Shaving can do irreparable damage to the dog’s coat even after just one shave! The dog’s coat may grow back less sleek, in uneven patches or have a ragged texture making grooming more difficult. Clipper injuries are also common.
When shaved too short, ingrown hairs can develop into painful bumps or lesions. Dryness and sensitivity can also make your dog very uncomfortable.
Your dog’s skin is sensitive and without their protective fur coat, their skin can be sunburned which could lead to potential cancer!
PLEASE remember, most dogs will not realize they are overheating and will keep going until they collapse.
How Hot is TOO Hot for Your Dog Infographic (Courtesy: ColdNosesNews.com)