8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe from Warm Weather Health Risks

This remarkable bond between dogs and humans has existed for over 10,000 years. It is likely why canine companions are more loved as a family than pets.

Many dogs can live with us and act and look just like us. It’s easy to forget that they have different biological needs, especially in hot weather.

Jerry Klein is a doctor of veterinary medicine who has been working as an emergency and critical-care vet for 30 years. He says that summer is the most dangerous season for dog injuries. Unfortunately, most cases he sees, such as heat stroke and dehydration, are not caused by dogs.

He says that most summer accidents do not occur when dogs are left alone. “Dogs are amazing creatures that try to please us, and we try to incorporate them into our daily lives. This allows us to lose sight of the fact that dogs can go with us everywhere, regardless of whether or not they wish.

These eight tips from vet experts will help you keep your dog cool and comfortable.

Do not leave your dog alone in a hot car. This tip is number 1. This tip is number 1. Although it seems obvious, every year, emergency personnel break into hot cars that their owners leave unattended. You might think, “I’ll come back, they’ll all be fine,” or “What if the window is left open?” Or “How about the air conditioner?” All pet experts will tell you the same thing: No, no and no.

Dr. Klein says that leaving children or dogs alone in an enclosed vehicle is the worst situation. A car can quickly become an oven, even with its windows closed.

May 2018 in the Temperature states that car seats can reach 123 degrees F in less than an hour. According to the National Safety Council, 52 children died from heatstroke last year. This is the highest death rate in 20 years.

Klein states that dogs can succumb to heatstroke faster than humans and that irreversible damage could occur in minutes.

The Humane Society of the United States advises that you report a pet found alone in a car parked at night too.

If It’s Too Hot Outside, Your Dog Is Happier Inside

Our first instinct on a hot day is to wear a swimsuit and get our bronze or burn. Your furry friend may find it difficult to bear the heat on a hot day.

Thermoregulation is a process that lowers the body temperature of dogs. According to the Humane Society of the United States, dogs achieve this by panting. This causes hot air to be expelled from the body, and moisture in the mouth evaporates and cools. says these protective mechanisms are less effective in heat and humidity, particularly for brachycephalic dog breeds like French bulldogs and pugs.

recommends leaving your dog home with the air conditioner on if it gets too hot. Also, limit your walks to the early morning and dusk hours when the sun is at its lowest.

You must ensure that your dog has access to fresh water.

Every creature must follow the basic rule of survival: Keep your dog hydrated. Your dog needs to have water at all times, indoors and out. Klein recommends always taking a water bottle or a bowl for your dog to refill if they get thirsty, even if you are only going on a short walk. It’s also important to ensure that the water is safe for your dog to drink. Water left out in the sun for too long will make it difficult for dogs to drink.

Protect your dog’s skin and paws from scorching surfaces

After stepping on piping hot sand with our bare feet, we’ve all done it. Dogs’ paw pads can burn on hot surfaces like pavement or sand-like our toes.

Kurt Venator is a veterinary medicine doctor living in   He is also the chief veterinarian officer at Purina. It should feel too hot to touch your pet’s paws.

You can take your dog for walks in grassy and shady areas. If you have to walk your dog on hot pavement, Dr. Venator suggests you use dog boots or apply paw protection wax such as Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax before going out.

Dogs can also get sunburnt (and other reasons why you shouldn’t shave your dog’s coat)

Double-coated dogs, such as a Husky or Chow Chow, can be a problem. Your first instinct might be to shave the dog in summer. It would help if you stopped using the shears.

Klein says that dogs’ coats are important to keep them warm in winter, protect their skin from sun damage, and reduce heat absorption. When summer arrives, dogs will shed their winter coats. This leaves their topcoat to protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays and against insect bites and stings.

Shaving your dog can not only disrupt its natural cooling mechanism but also affect the way that hair grows back. Sometimes, it may even stop growing at all.

Some dogs may need to be trimmed or more intensively groomed in the summer. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian before doing so. Some sunscreens are specifically made for dogs, like Handy Hound SnoutScreen.

A Cooling Coat will keep your dog comfortable and stylish.

You can also consider a cooling vest such as the Swamp Cooler. This is designed to deflect the sun’s rays and evaporate heat quicker. Pet experts say these vests are more effective in dry climates and should not be wet. Wet vests can cause friction and chafe. You can also get cooling mats to help lower your dog’s body temperature.

Keep your dog calm and safe during firework displays.

Dog owners can find themselves in trouble if they deal with fireworks. A study published in October 2015 in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that fireworks frighten dogs more than thunderstorms or gunshots.

Venator says that dogs have an acute sense of hearing, which makes loud booms, crackles and whistles alarming. They are unpredictable and can come at any time, so dogs won’t be able to get used to them.

Make sure your dog is kept inside during fireworks and that they have somewhere safe to retreat. Venator suggests that dogs can be distracted by loud music and movies.

Talk to your veterinarian about doggy cannabis oil and medication that may help calm dogs suffering from severe phobias.

Protect your pet (and yourself) from fleas and ticks

Flare essential for dogs and owners who go on hikes or spend time in grassy or wooded areas. Ticks can transmit diseases to humans and dogs. ought you lived in a tick-free zone. Discuss with your veterinarian the best preventative medication and flea collars to keep your pet safe all year.