Dog Days of Summer

As Nebraskans we know all about weather. Whether its cold or hot, precautions with your pets need to be taken. Summertime tends to pose more of a problem, because we as humans like to be outside more when the sun is shining, and summer just offers more outside activities than winter.
Pets, specifically dogs, need to really be monitored during outside activities such as running/walking, swimming, playing, working, and just in general being outside. Things to make sure your pets are always comfortable and cool when outside are:

• Make sure there is plenty of shade that lasts all day, not just a portion of the day
• Always, always, always provide plenty of fresh cool water
• If exercise is necessary, make sure to take frequent breaks
• Keep them away from asphalt and hot surfaces or use booties
• Discuss with your veterinarian about warm weather hair cuts

Overweight pets tend to have higher risks of problems with the heat. If weight loss is something you have been wanting to achieve with your pet, make sure to consult your veterinarian about a breed specific plan for your pet. Some breeds, such as pugs or Persian cats, have short noses and flat faces making it harder to breathe normally, let alone in the hot humid temperatures. Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. Pets with short flat faces are what is called brachycephalic, and have a smaller, more constricted airway that don’t allow for as much air to pass to help the animal control its body temperature.
If you ever question if it’s too hot, it probably is. Leaving your pet at home is always a good option when the weather turns warm. Leaving them home, at a boarding facility, or with a pet sitter is better than a hot car or a non-pet friendly place where they will be uncomfortable and in danger of overheating.
It is time to seek emergency veterinary care if you observe any of these signs of heat stress:

• Anxiousness
• Excessive panting
• Restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Unsteadiness
• Abnormal gum and tongue color
• Collapse

 
***Now, that last way to make your dog comfortable when being outside can be a bit sensitive. Dogs have special coats of fur that are meant to help cool them. They have what is called double-coat, meaning they have two layers of fur that is meant to help keep them cool in the summer, not make them hotter. Most dogs, (breed dependent) are not meant to be shaved. But once you start, it is something that should be done again, or it can cause them to overheat because they’re not used to it. ***