Summer safety for your dogs

May was a heat-breaking record in Tallahassee! Unfortunately, it will continue to heat up out there, so please take precautions with your dogs. You may recall last year, an otherwise healthy black lab passed away due to heat stroke at a local dog park. This is a very real risk every year. All pets are at risk of overheating, dogs who are seniors, puppies, black, brown, or flat-faced breeds are at a higher risk than other dogs. It’s especially important to keep an eye on these dogs when they’re outside, and avoid exercising these dogs during times of high heat.

**Signs Of Heat Stroke ** Signs of overheating should be immediately addressed. Please pay attention to any of the following signs-

Bright red tongue, and excessive panting Drooling, saliva, foamy looking around mouth/nose Lethargic, unsteady, stumbling Vomiting, diarrhea Weak, disoriented, hot to the touch

What to do if you suspect heat stroke

Immediately remove your dog from the hot area and preferably into an air conditioned area. While your first instinct may be to act with cold water, please DO NOT DOUSE WITH COLD WATER. This can lead to shock.

Alternatively, you may wipe paw pads with alcohol wipes and/pr use room temperature water on their bellies, neck, head. Offer water, but do not force them to drink or eat. Ideally, you should get them to the nearest facility, so please keep your local emergency vet clinic saved in your phone contacts. They'll talk you through getting the dog to safety. There is also a free app through the American Red Cross that you may download for step-by-step instructions, which is particularly helpful to those who aren’t able to access immediate veterinary care.

**Other tips for summer safety! **

Watch your dogs while they are playing outside. Wet their undebellies prior to going outside. During extreme temps, let them out to potty and either opt for water play or indoor play. Walk very early morning or later in evening. Never leave any pet in a hot car.

Avoid asphalt! Asphalt temperature varies based on heat, humidity, and wind. Always do the bare hand test yourself; with hand flat on pavement. If the pavement is too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Some dogs can use booties on their feet. For dogs who won't wear booties, carry the dog if possible. Where asphalt is unavoidable, shuffle as quickly as possible to another surface, and always check for paw pad burns.

If you have a dog walker, please ensure they know proper handling during the summer and times of high temperatures. If you're traveling, you'll want to ask your pet sitter if they're prepared for an emergency, as well as provide them with your local emergency contact and veterinarian's information.

Happy summer to you and your pets!

Carla

Carla McClellan, MPH, CPPS, is a Tallahassee native. She owns Tallahassee Lassie Pet Care as well a serving as a Commissioner on the Tallahassee-Leon Commission and Status of Women and Girls, and Regional Director for Florida Pet Services Association. She is Hu-mom to two dogs and a cat, and promotes responsible pet ownership by educating her neighbors on all things pet care.

Next
Next

New Year, New You! For Your Pets, Too?