All animals have a right to take refuge in a safe shelter. This doesn't mean Fido has to sleep in bed with you, but he at least needs to have a climate-controlled space to call his own. And when he's outside, he needs a place where he can escape from heat. If you've got huge trees your dog can use for shade, you're lucky. If not, consider purchasing a dog shelter.
Surviving Summer
Many of us think dogs can tough out the summer months, but the reality is that they're susceptible to overheating just like people. When on their own, canines are smart enough to seek a cool place to lie down. Sometimes, however, we interfere and force them into conditions they can't handle. A few things to think about:
- Let your dog lie on the grass. It’s a lot cooler than a paved dog run or driveway, which conducts heat.
- Leave him at home when you jog. Though dogs pant to stay cool, they'll have a difficult time cooling off if the air is warm.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car. Even with the windows cracked, the inside can reach 130 degrees in less than 30 minutes.
- Always provide fresh water.
Did you know that, according to the experts at Iams®, most veterinarians don’t recommend shaving dogs, because the hair helps them insulate against heat? Heavy-coated breeds of dogs are especially prone to heat illnesses, particularly in hot, humid climates. If your dog has a heavy coat, consider setting up a baby pool outside for him to loll in.
Treating Overheating
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Abnormally rapid breathing
- Tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Fainting
To revive an overheated dog, wet him down with cool water and place him in the breeze. Once he's given a bit of time to recuperate, take him immediately to the vet.
