The dog days of Summer heat has already started in some regions. Our temperatures have consistently been in the 80’s…
I can’t remember a Spring season – seems as if it did a quick drive-by. nascarstyle
Summers rising temperatures along with its thick humidity can be uncomfortable – and dangerous for our pets.
We as pet parents must be vigilant about practicing basic summer safety.
A FEW REMINDERS –
- Limit exercise on hot days: Be mindful of the temperature when exercising your pet. Adjust the intensity AND duration
Now the Boys and I walk earlier in the mornings and later in the evenings. During the middle of the day, Jaxson goes outside but only for short intervals. We play in the backyard because asphalt gets hot and can burn paw pads…
- Provide ample shade and water: When your pet is outside, make sure there is protection from the heat and the sun. Tree shade and tarps are excellent because they don’t obstruct airflow
Harley of course takes it to a totally different level. Screened in porch, lounge chair and ice floating in his water bowl #divodoodle…
- Cold Water and Cool treats: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water
I’m learning that frozen treats not only taste refreshing but they also help to quickly cool your pet. Here’s a real easy Peanut Butter Popsicle recipe.
If I wave a frozen treat in front of Jaxson, I can always count on getting his attention…
During these dog days of Summer, we’re traveling around the city after dinner. Once the sun starts to retreat, it makes for pleasant walks downtown…
Be familiar with the signs of heatstress –
- Heavy panting
- glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Unsteadiness
- Staggering gait
- Vomiting
- Deep red or purple tongue
- Should your pet start to exhibit any of these signs –
- Move to an area with shade or air-conditioning
- Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest area
- Offer small amounts of cool water and GET TO A VETERINARIAN!
BEFORE I CLOSE –
There should never be a reason to leave your pet in a parked car alone. But to leave a pet in a parked car on a warm day is nothing short of criminal #yeahIsaidit
Temperatures in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. – even with the windows partially open. Please share this PDF and spread these life saving words.
Internet Sources:
Be kind to someone this weekend ❤️
No act of kindness is ever wasted – AESOP
May 13, 2016
The girls and I always play in the back yard. On cooler sunny days, we stay outside almost all day. On days like we’ve had this past week, we spend no more than five minutes at a time between noon and five o’clock. Once the sun starts setting, we go back outside and play again. It’s still light out, but the sun is mostly in the front yard and a small strip of the back.
As for leaving dogs in a parked car? I’m with you – on a warm day it IS nothing short of criminal. I’m glad that Sam and I usually work things out so that one of us is home with the girls at all times. I’ve always hated leaving the girls home alone; but even moreso now that sweet Callie is in heaven.
May 14, 2016
You and your husband remind me of Lee and I. We have gone so far as to run errands together so one of us can sit in the car with the dogs vs. leaving them at home. Harley started it. When he was a puppy – he would always hang out. Leo’s purpose (initially) was to be a playmate for Harley so we could leave them at home. That worked so – so. when Leo died, Harley was stuck to me like velcro, and then Jaxson came, you know the rest of the story LOL But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Have a great weekend 🙂
May 14, 2016
No heat here. We have frost and freeze warnings this weekend, BUT in Minnesota it could be in the 90’s in a view days. Our weather is always up and down this time of year.
May 14, 2016
Only been to your neck of the woods once (family in Woodbury) but we’re well aware of the roller coaster ride you all are on most of the year. I think Minn is gorgeous – so lush and green, when it isn’t all white from snow that is… Have a great weekend Emma.
May 15, 2016
We are actually having freeze warnings here in NY too…very strange weather! Like MN, we have wide fluctuations in temperature and it might well be VERY warm here later in the week!
Our girls do not like the heat and are quite used to air conditioning! We do the same as you and your husband…one of us is always in the car with the girls!
May 16, 2016
That’s our rule! If the Boys look like they’re getting cabin fever and we want to run a few errands, we scoop them up and take them along. But Lee will generally do the sitting while I run in the store. A lot of times he gets out and walks the area making new friends along the way. It’s a fun time.
May 15, 2016
It is astounding the number of people who take their dogs with them in a car and leave them in it “for just a minute.” A call to the local police dept. or fire dept. and the consequences from that call hopefully will deter them. Rotten cretins!
May 16, 2016
Rotten indeed! I can’t remember the exact location – but I heard of people leaving their dogs in cars “for just a minute” and coming out to find them GONE! Yep – someone was stealing them. I can’t begin to imagine the guilt ridden pain from that experience.
May 16, 2016
We’ve suddenly gone backwards in the temps… it’s quite chilly today!
May 17, 2016
I’m sure it won’t last too long. Seems like many states are warming up all over the country. Hang in there.
May 16, 2016
I was just thinking earlier today that I need to pull out Mr. N’s cooling vest. This weekend has been cool but the 80 degree days have been hard on him.
May 17, 2016
Really? I’ve never used a cooling vest for the Boys. I might have to look into that for Jaxson. I’ve already cut his hair short for the rest of the summer.
May 16, 2016
I definitely want to try some frozen treats for Rooney this summer, they are supposed to be awesome!
May 17, 2016
I’m with you Rachel, I think I can make things to free much cheaper than buying them LOL
May 16, 2016
Still in the forties and fifties up here in Chicago. We are still waiting for spring. I have a feeling it’s going to go from 50 to 85 in a few weeks.
Great tips. With you 100% about leaving dogs in hot cars – criminal.
May 17, 2016
Hang in there with the wide range of temps this spring, seems to be happening in more parts of the country then ever #globalwarming It will be hot soon 🙂
May 18, 2016
We’re not quite there yet, but we look forward to wanting to walk and play early in the morning, instead of having to wait for it to warm up! The crew likes to get out there early no matter the weather but I like to wait for it to warm up!
Soon enough we’ll be getting out the kiddie pool too, a great way to keep them cooler when playing in the yard.
May 18, 2016
I’m not going to do the kiddie pool this year. Too many beaches, and they are great in the mornings. Not a whole lot of heat and not many people.
May 18, 2016
This post is such a great reminder and very timely as we’ve had 75-80 degree weather in the Pacific Northwest this month.
We have cool weather again, but the hot weather in spring caught us off guard. We had to adjust and cut back on play sessions, increase the dogs’ water intake, and I’ll be making frozen treats soon.
May 18, 2016
With the warm weather showing up so fast, I’m wondering if it’s a taste of what’s to come this summer.Global warming is no joke, so I want to make sure I take extra precautions when it comes to the Boys. Enjoy your cool temps while you still have them.