Tips for Safely Enjoying Warm Weather with Your Dog

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
by Hilarie Erb, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer

Most of us look forward to summer, and it can be the best time to enjoy being outside and go places with your dog. But hot weather can quickly become dangerous for dogs, and it’s up to us to make sure they stay safe.

Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh, cool water.

When taking your dog anywhere, even for a short ride in the car when you don’t even plan on getting out, you should at least have water and a bowl. It’s best to be prepared for any unplanned stops.

Even if you are attending an event meant for dogs, bring water for your own dog – just like you do for yourself and your children. Don’t count on water being readily available. Even if it is, you’ll have to share it, and wait for it, with lots of other unprepared dog owners.

You should also have a means to provide shade in an emergency. Keep an umbrella in the car – they’re not just for rain!

NEVER leave a dog alone in a parked car.

Your dog should not be left alone in a car — not even for a minute. Cars get dangerously hot very fast, and many pets die every year in over-heated cars. Never leave your dog in a closed car, even if it’s running with the air conditioner on. It is not worth taking a chance that the car will stop running or that your dog will inadvertently open a window and escape.

Avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt, concrete or sand, which can burn dogs’ paws.

Pavement can be hot enough to burn and injure your pet. You might be comfortable enough walking outside, but put your hand on the pavement. If it’s too hot for you, it’s much too hot for your dog.

When spending time outdoors, keep your dog cool.

When outdoors, provide your pet with shade. It can be as simple as an umbrella, or a fancy canopy that the family will fit under. Walk in shady areas, and don’t leave your dog outside in the yard when you are gone.

Provide cool, icy treats that you can purchase or make yourself. Need ideas? Check out Best DIY Frozen Dog Treats. Also look into a cooling vest  or mat for your dog.

Extra care is needed for brachycephalic dogs.

Brachycephalic dogs – those with squished faces – need special care in hot weather. They include the Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Chow Chow, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Pug, and Shih Tzu. The structure of their faces, with smaller airways and folds in their throats, makes it even harder for them to cool off and they are susceptible to overheating much more quickly than other breeds.

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, take him to a cool place and directly to your veterinarian. To help cool him down, use cool water (not icy water!) on your dog’s feet and groin area and put him in front of a fan, if available. Again, even if your dog seems like he may be feeling better, he should be seen by his veterinarian after sings of overheating.

Take breaks during sessions of play or exercise.

When playing with your dog, keep in mind that he doesn’t necessarily know when he should stop. When dogs are having fun, they don’t feel pain or know that they should take a break. It’s much hotter close to the pavement too, so if your dog is your running buddy, exercise early in the day or in the evening when it’s cooler.

Symptoms of overheating include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
•  Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor
• Collapse

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, get him to a cool place immediately. Use cool, not icy, water on the feet and groin area and a fan if available. And get to a veterinarian right away, even if he seems better.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.