However, the heat of Canadian summers really gets to everyone. It’s especially noticeable with The Dogs as they’ve gotten older so I was interested to learn about these tips from Iams on…
How to Protect your Dog this Summer!
- Keep an eye on the H20. Did you know that water may be the most important step in keeping your dog healthy? Just like humans, a dog’s body is 80 per cent water but dogs don’t appear to lose hydration the same was we do because they don’t sweat. Make sure there is a source of clean water your dog can access at all times to avoid dehydration, overheating and to maintain proper bodily functions.
- Act as a lifeguard. Swimming in the pool or a lake can be a great way for pets and people to play together and cool off. While Fido practices doggy-paddling, do not leave your pet unattended; just as safety precautions must be taken when children are near water, similar rules exist for pets. If your dog has difficulties swimming, consider lessons or a cute doggy life jacket.
- Keep coats long. Believe it or not, a pet’s coat is designed by nature to keep them cool during the summer. Shaving pets can actually do them more harm than good by interfering with this built-in temperature regulation and predisposing them to things like heat stroke/exhaustion and sun burn. Rather than shaving, consider a trim or brushing regularly to help air circulate near the skin.
- Protect little paws. When it’s scorching hot outside, dangerously steamy pavement and metal surfaces are hard to avoid, especially for our four-legged friends. Just as we remember to wear sandals, it’s important to remember our pet’s feet and foot pads. To be mindful of scorching surfaces, walk your dog on the cloud-covered side of the street or in a grass-filled park. If these are not an option, laying down a wet towel for your dog to stand on.
- Be careful with cars. Due to sky-rocketing temperatures in the summertime, the sun can make the inside of a car unbearable. Even with the windows cracked, cars can reach 130 degrees inside in less than 30 minutes. If your pet is used to running errands with you in the car, leave Fluffy and Rufus at home if you can or bring them along on a cooler day.
Remember that the changing seasons put extra stress on our pet friends. Show them you care by observing these five simple tips from Iams and keep your pets happy, healthy and safe this Summer!
What do you do to Beat the Heat?
For more pet care tips, for the summer season and otherwise, remember to visit Iams Website or on Facebook.
Disclosure: Journeys of The Zoo received compensation in exchange for posting these tips.
We lay low on the really hot days. Water is a must, of course and we don’t go out in the car. I couldn’t imagine being a black dog in 40+!
These are such important tips and although it should be common sense, it’s sad how often you hear about people leaving pets in cars this summer 🙁
Great tips!! I wish everyone used their common sense during hot days! I hate seeing dogs in cars on hot days.. it breaks my heart!
Great tips! Most time people think about pets in the winter and forget the summer can be just as deadly!
My dog doesn’t drink much – never has. So I always trap a toy in a block of ice or even just feed him ice cubes. Works a treat!
Great tips! I love seeing all the bowls around town for dogs to get a drink, especially at places their owners stop for refreshments. 🙂
Fabulous tips! Our dog can be found under our backyard tent on the really hot days, right with his water bowl, lol. Never thought about shaving her coat ever, but that’s great information to remember, thanks for the info! 🙂
Back when I had dogs we generally went to parks during the summer where there were streams that they could jump in and cool off if it got too hot. They also became quite versatile at drinking out of cups! I would stop by a fast food place (the drive in) and get myself an ice tea and them a cup of water! (okay so I also got them a hamburger or two as well)
These are some really great tips. I have read that dogs coats should be kept long in the summer, but so many people still insist on keeping them shaven. I think that it could have a lot to do with convenience for the pet owner over what the dog truly needs. Not that it makes them bad pet owners, but dog hair in the summertime has the habit of coating pretty much every surface in the house. I have also seen a lot of dogs in cars and it always breaks my heart. My fiance gets a little aggravated with me when we go out to a store and we pull up to park the car next to a car with a dog in it. I’ll sit there keeping an eye on it until the pet owner comes back.
We don’t have a dog. But my parents always make sure that their pups are well hydrated and they never EVER leave them in the car. Why would you take your dog with you and leave him in the car anyways?
Thanks for the tips 🙂
great tips, especially about the hot concrete, we don’t chose to walk on it mid day but expect our dogs to take walks.
I used to have my dog’s fur trimmed super short during the summer months. Haven’t gotten a new dog since my beloved one passed away. 🙁
Great tips. I don’t think many people know that shaving their dog’s coats is a bad thing in hot weather!
I wish a lot of people would know of this… or just common sense, which most people dont have these days, broke my heart of how many people left their dogs in the car
Thank you for your tips! Glad you shared them.