Summertime is on the horizon and so is the summer heat.
But, did you know that dogs only produce sweat on areas of their body that are not covered by fur? That means, for most dogs, the only way they can cool themselves down in the heat is by sweating through their nose and paw pads or by panting. These limitations mean that dogs are extremely susceptible to hyperthermia, otherwise known as heat exhaustion.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying time outside with your beloved canine this summer; you might just need to modify the activities in which you engage. Plus, your dog will still require regular exercise and socialization, despite the rising thermostat.
At Day School, we are committed to exercising the dogs multiple times per day. However, on hot days, we adapt our schedule to take advantage of cooler weather. Quite often, we will move our hike into the morning, and we will seek out areas that are well shaded and have access to fresh water. If you can’t avoid the heat, there are also activities that are better suited for hot days, like stand up paddle boarding, swimming in the lake, or hiking in the forest or along a creek.
In addition to altering your routine, there are some fantastic products to help keep your dog comfortable in the hot weather. A product like Musher’s Secret can help protect your dog’s paw pads from the severity of the hot pavement. It is made from 100% natural waxes that create a breathable barrier to soothe, condition, and relieve dry and cracked paw pads. As a bonus, it’s also suitable for use on their nose, ears, elbows or “hot spots”. Another “must have” product for the summer is the Suitical Dry Cooling Vest. This instant cooling vest will help regulate your dog’s temperature and mitigate the dangers of hyperthermia. It has the ability to cool down to 15°C and will stay cool for up to three days, all while staying dry!
Here are some great reminders so you can enjoy fun in the sun with your canine pal, including all of the safety essentials.
* Safety First: Heat exhaustion is a very real danger, so ensure you’re being safe with your dog at all times.
- Do not leave your dog in your vehicle for any reason in warmer temperatures. Just five minutes can be deadly, regardless of whether or not your windows are rolled down.
- Be aware of what your dog is experiencing. Continue to look for signs of distress, such as excessive panting, extreme drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, etc.
- Ensure you provide access to fresh water at all times.
* Bring the Essentials: Dogzies carries all of the essentials to battle the heat on our online store.
- Suitical Dry Cooling Vest
- Musher’s Secret
- Water Dish & Water
So, make sure you take special care of your pup this summer. Whether it’s by adjusting your routine, or using some amazing products, we hope that you can continue to enjoy the summer months. Cheers!
