Welcome to the First Day of Summer: Keeping Your Dogs Cool and Safe
It's officially the first day of summer! That means it's time to enjoy all the outdoor activities we love – pools, parks, picnics, playgrounds, and parades. Whether you're soaking up the sun at a barbecue or spending time with your four-legged friend, it's essential to prioritize their well-being, especially in the heat.
At Service Dogs Alabama, we're not just celebrating the start of summer - we're also ensuring our hard-working canines and those in training stay safe in the heat. While these tips apply to all dogs, they're especially crucial for our service dogs who have important jobs to do year-round.
Here are five essential tips to ensure your pup stays safe and comfortable during the dog days of summer:
1. Never leave your dog in the car: This cannot be stressed enough. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a car can rise dramatically in just minutes. According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, a car's interior temperature can increase almost 20°F in just 10 minutes, and up to 45-50°F in 1-2 hours, even with the windows cracked. This rapid temperature rise can quickly lead to heatstroke or even death for your pet. At Service Dogs Alabama, we train our dogs to accompany handlers in various situations, but we always prioritize their safety. We teach our clients to plan ahead and ensure their service dog can either safely join them or stay in a cool environment.
Hydration is key to keeping your
dog cool.
Always ensure your pet has access to clean, fresh water, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Provide unlimited access to fresh water: Hydration is key to keeping your dog cool. Always ensure your pet has access to clean, fresh water, both indoors and outdoors. Consider bringing a portable water bowl and extra water on walks or outings. Some dogs enjoy ice cubes in their water for an extra cooling effect.
3. Ensure your dog has access to shade when outside: When spending time outdoors, make sure your dog can retreat to a shaded area. This could be under a tree, a porch, or a specially designed canopy. Shade not only provides relief from direct sunlight but also helps maintain a cooler body temperature. During outdoor training sessions or events at Service Dogs Alabama, we always incorporate shaded rest areas to keep our dogs comfortable and focused.
4. Schedule walks during cooler hours of the day: Early morning or late evening walks are best during hot summer months. The pavement is cooler, and the air temperature is more comfortable for both you and your dog. If you must walk during hotter parts of the day, keep the walks short and bring water for both of you. At Service Dogs Alabama, we adjust our schedules during summer months to take advantage of cooler hours for outdoor tasks and training."
5. Avoid hot surfaces like asphalt that can burn paw pads: Asphalt and concrete can get extremely hot in the sun and can burn your dog's sensitive paw pads. As a rule of thumb, if it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Stick to grass or dirt paths when possible, or consider dog booties for protection. Our Service Dogs Alabama pups often train in various environments, including urban areas. We teach our handlers to check surface temperatures or park closer to entrances or near grassy stretches to reduce time dogs are walking across asphalt.
Be mindful of hot pavement!
Heatstroke in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs in hot weather. It occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerous levels and they're unable to cool themselves effectively. Signs of heatstroke include rapid breathing or heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness or drowsiness, confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, and abnormally colored, dry, or sticky gums.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it's crucial to act quickly. AVMA.org recommends:
Take your pet to the closest veterinary hospital as soon as possible, and begin cooling them right away.
If your pet is in direct sunlight, move them to a shaded area or comfortably cool indoor environment.
Place towels wetted with room-temperature water gently around your pet’s neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Rewet and replace the towels every few minutes.
Avoid putting your pet in a tub of cool or cold water, which can make their condition worse.
If a fan is available, use it to directly blow cool air onto your pet.
Quick action can mean the difference between life and death in cases of heatstroke.
Prevention is always better than cure. By following these guidelines, you can help keep all dogs safe this summer - whether they're pets, service dogs, or future Service Dogs Alabama graduates. Remember, the only ‘hot dog’ we want this summer is the kind with ketchup and mustard – keep you canine cool and they’ll be a happy healthy pup, ready to enjoy summer activities or perform their vital tasks.
If you're interested in learning more about our work at Service Dogs Alabama or supporting our mission, visit our website or contact us today. Here's to a fantastic first day of summer and many more joyful, cool days ahead with our loyal sidekicks.
