Summer Sizzles

Plan ahead to keep your dog cool and safe

By Penny Lex

Summer months offer great opportunities for lots of outdoor fun with your four-legged bestie. And while common sense rules in keeping your dog cool and safe, here are a few reminders to ensure your pet is protected during the sizzling days ahead.

Eye Protection. No longer reserved just for the canine riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle, goggles are becoming more popular than ever. And not just for fashion appeal but to protect the eyes from injuries and from the sun. Whether hiking on the trail or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, winds can whip up dust and debris that may end up in your pet’s eyes. And if your dog loves to ride with his head out the car window, goggles should be a given. UV light is bad because it can cause burning around fair eyes, worsen the autoimmune disorder pannus (chronic superficial keratitis) and increase the risk of surface ocular cancer.

Fireworks. Fireworks tend to ignite terror in most dogs. In fact, July 4th yields a record number of lost dogs due to fear and anxiety. Keep your dog(s) calm and safe by leaving them at home in a safe and secure environment. And definitely not outside, unattended where they can escape.

Heatstroke. Those at a higher risk for heat stroke include dogs that are very young, very old, overweight, out of condition or with heart or respiratory disease. Breeds with short muzzles such as Pugs, Shih Tzus and Boxers have a harder time breathing in extreme heat. Heavy panting, even upon resting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, dizziness, tongue color of dark red to purple, hyper-salivation, vomiting and increased distress are all signs of heat stroke. Treat by applying ice packs or cold towels to the dog’s head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them; then proceed directly to the veterinarian.

Hot Cars. You’re just going to run a couple of quick errands and Sparky loves nothing more than a ride in the car. However, unless you have someone to ride along to pet sit, leave the pooch at home. Hot temperatures and leaving the windows cracked a bit is a death sentence to a dog. Imagine leaving your beloved in the car for “just a few minutes” while you plan to quickly run into the store. What if you ran into a friend, started talking and lost track of time? What if you fell, were injured, or had a major medical event? No one would know your dog was in your car. It happens. Best to leave him at home where you know he’s safe.

Hydration. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, cold water at all times. Add ice cubes frequently and make sure the vessel is in a place that won’t easily be tipped over. Plan ahead and keep frozen treats or blocks of ice on hand. And remember, due to chemicals, swimming pool water is not an adequate all-around quencher and should not be a dog’s sole source of water.

Paws ‘n’ Pavement. If the pavement is too fiery for you to walk barefoot on, it’s too hot for your dog. On an 87 degree day, asphalt temps can reach 140—hot enough to cook an egg and also to cause burns and blistering to your dog’s paws. Put the back of your hand on the asphalt. If you can’t hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on. Invest in some shoes for your pal so you don’t have to worry about burning the pads of his feet. A good pair of shoes or boots will protect him from getting slivers or cuts and also prevent him from carrying debris into your home.

Sunburn. Dogs are not exempt from sunburn—particularly those with white, light-colored or thin fur. Your first reaction might be to share your favorite emulsion with your buddy, but pause to make sure that it doesn’t contain zinc oxide which is toxic to dogs. There is a surprisingly number of sunscreens available that are formulated specifically for canine. When applying, make sure to avoid the eye and don’t forget the tips of the ears, nose, belly and groin. If your dog does get sunburned, put him in a cool bath or use cool compressions and consult your veterinarian.

Swimming Pools. In addition to cooling off, playing in the water is fun—even more so when you can share the experience with your dog. Just make sure you have the safety issues covered like…never leave your dog unattended near the pool. You might think that Fido can swim like a fish but something could happen leaving him in distress. And most importantly, make sure your dog knows how to get in and out of the pool. Teach him where the steps are located and practice. If your pet is not a good swimmer, invest in a life jacket. Check online for good-fit guidelines or have a knowledgeable sales associate help with your selection. Make sure the life preserver is comfortable and he gets accustomed to wearing it.