Remember Your Pets as Temperatures Soar
Sacramento is in the middle of a heatwave. Triple-digit temperatures are forecast for the foreseeable future. Local veterinarians warn that precautions should be taken to avoid canine heatstroke during periods of extremely hot weather. Heatstroke can cause serious medical complications to your dog. Some cases are even fatal.
Heatstroke is easily preventable if you are aware and cautious. Here is a list of tips to keep dogs cool and safe in the extreme heat.
Keep Cool Air Circulating
If the weather cools off overnight or in the early morning, open windows and run a box fan. When the temperature rises, it will likely become necessary to turn on the air conditioner. When it is scorching outside, you and your pet need a cool place to relax.
Prevent Doggy Sunburn
It is not just humans that need to look out for sunburn – dogs are susceptible, too. Sunburn can lead to painful sores and blisters and can make your dog more prone to skin cancer. Dogs with white ears and noses are particularly prone to sunburn. Pet stores and veterinarians sell pet sunscreens to apply to the hairless areas of the nose and ears. Dogs with white faces are advised to be kept indoors in the heat of the day.
Do Not Leave Dogs in a Parked Car
This warning is publicized quite frequently, and with very good reason. The interior of a vehicle can reach non-survivable temperatures even when the outside is not 100-plus degrees. It can take only 15 minutes for a canine to begin overheating. Many instances of deadly heatstroke have occurred in this exact scenario.
Always Provide Cool, Fresh Water
While it is common sense to always provide your dog with fresh water, it is even more important when temperatures soar. If you take your dog for a walk before it gets too hot, it is a good idea to pack water and a bowl from which he can drink in order to prevent overheating and dehydration.
Hot Weather Equals Frozen Snacks
Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes or frozen vegetables. A cold snack can bring down your buddy’s internal temperature. You can also freeze some of his favorite chew toys for quick cooling off.
Plan Walks for the Coolest Part of the Day
During extended periods of hot weather such as that which the Sacramento area is experiencing, walk your dog early in the morning or after the sun goes down. It may be that you need to make the walk shorter than usual. Take frequent breaks.
Beware of Hot Pavement
Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws, and they are usually so excited about the walk that they will ignore the pain past the point of injury. Check with your hand before heading out – if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for a paw. Driving your pooch to a park with grass and shade is an option.
Seek Shade
If your dog has free access to your backyard via a doggy door, ensure that there are ample shaded spots for him to enjoy. Create shady areas by use of umbrellas, sun tarps, or even cardboard.
Break Out the Kiddie Pool
While some dogs hate water, others love it. If your pet enjoys cooling off in a pool, a small plastic kiddie pool will provide him with a refreshing place to splash. Just make sure the water is not too hot if it spends all day absorbing the unrelenting rays of our fiery Sacramento sun.
Road Trips
If you cannot avoid an extended car ride with your best friend this summer, make sure to keep the air conditioner running, and that he gets plenty of water stops and fresh air breaks.
Watch the YouTube video with advice on preventing and treating heat stress symptoms in canines.
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a dog bite lawyer in Sacramento, California. When you or a family member has suffered injuries in a dog attack, an experienced dog bite attorney can help you get the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Call my office at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free from outside the Sacramento region at (800) 404-5400. We can offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice. My website also offers an online contact form.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/animal-dog-mammal-pet-domestic-731355/
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