Summer Weather and Your Dog!
Summer weather and your dog! Are you planning to stay home this summer? Maybe you are taking a road-trip? There is no limit to what you can fill your time doing this summer.
Just make sure you take into consideration your dog as you're planning your summer vacation.
Whether you live in an extremely hot state like California, Florida, or Texas, or a milder climate state like Oregon, Tennessee, or North Carolina; your dogs' health is of utmost importance during the summer months.
First thing we must remember is that unlike humans, pets do not sweat.
The must try to maintain their body temperature in various ways.
The physical response that dogs have when they are too hot is to pant.
This is tiring to them and isn't always very effective.
The shape of an animal's nasal passages can contribute to an animal's tendency to overheat.
Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it's more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling.
Giving your dog water is one of the most important things to do to help your pet regulate their body temperature.
Make sure the water is left out in a shaded area if you are leaving it outside so that it doesn't reach too high temperatures.
You can always freeze the water before you put the bowl out the next day.
Filling the water bowl with ice cubes also helps to keep the water temperature moderately cool.
The climate is the next thing we must consider.
If you are leaving your dog inside the house you don't need to worry about the climate because more than likely you will have the air-conditioner going to monitor the temperature.
However, if you leave your dog outside make sure they have a cool shaded place to go when it's very hot.
This can be accomplished by a tree, the side of a building or a manufactured tent-like shade structure.
Don't forget you can always purchase cooling dog beds for your dog.
These products are very effective in controlling the temperature of your dog while in their bed.
However, pay attention if your pet suddenly begins panting much more than usual even in a cooler temperature.
Doesn't have the energy they usually have, and their gums are suddenly a bright red color.
These are signs of heatstroke and immediately need to be treated.
Heatstroke is a deadly disease for your dog, even with emergency treatment.
The best way to avoid this terrible situation is prevention.
If you follow these simple instructions you should have a fun filled summer with a very contented dog.
Just make sure you take into consideration your dog as you're planning your summer vacation.
Whether you live in an extremely hot state like California, Florida, or Texas, or a milder climate state like Oregon, Tennessee, or North Carolina; your dogs' health is of utmost importance during the summer months.
First thing we must remember is that unlike humans, pets do not sweat.
The must try to maintain their body temperature in various ways.
The physical response that dogs have when they are too hot is to pant.
This is tiring to them and isn't always very effective.
The shape of an animal's nasal passages can contribute to an animal's tendency to overheat.
Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it's more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling.
Giving your dog water is one of the most important things to do to help your pet regulate their body temperature.
Make sure the water is left out in a shaded area if you are leaving it outside so that it doesn't reach too high temperatures.
You can always freeze the water before you put the bowl out the next day.
Filling the water bowl with ice cubes also helps to keep the water temperature moderately cool.
The climate is the next thing we must consider.
If you are leaving your dog inside the house you don't need to worry about the climate because more than likely you will have the air-conditioner going to monitor the temperature.
However, if you leave your dog outside make sure they have a cool shaded place to go when it's very hot.
This can be accomplished by a tree, the side of a building or a manufactured tent-like shade structure.
Don't forget you can always purchase cooling dog beds for your dog.
These products are very effective in controlling the temperature of your dog while in their bed.
However, pay attention if your pet suddenly begins panting much more than usual even in a cooler temperature.
Doesn't have the energy they usually have, and their gums are suddenly a bright red color.
These are signs of heatstroke and immediately need to be treated.
Heatstroke is a deadly disease for your dog, even with emergency treatment.
The best way to avoid this terrible situation is prevention.
If you follow these simple instructions you should have a fun filled summer with a very contented dog.
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