Heat and Humidity

Take Precautions to Keep Fido’s Summer Frolics Fun 

By Camp Bow Wow

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This year it seems like San Antonio jumped straight into summer. Hot temperatures and high humidity combine to make all members of the family – human and canine alike –uncomfortable. While beads of perspiration rolling down your body might make you feel grubby, you have an advantage over Fido – dogs aren’t able to sweat. This means they are even more susceptible to overheating than their pup parents. Some breeds, especially those with squished noses like bulldogs and Shih Tzus, are especially affected by heat. 

 

Common Signs of Heat Stroke

• Panting heavily

• Dry or bright red gums

• Pale gums, which signify dehydration

• Thicker than normal drool 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of balance

If your pup shows any of these signs, move him to shade, cool his body by placing him on a moist towel and offer ice cubes to lick. Contact your veterinarian quickly and take your pup to the office right away to rule out serious injury. 

 

It goes without saying, NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended – even for a few minutes. Temperatures reach unhealthy levels more quickly than you would imagine. 

 

Plan walks or outdoor playtime for early morning or later at night when the temperature cools off. Asphalt, metal and cement can burn sensitive paw pads, so make sure your pup has a route to travel on grass or in the shade. You can also explore stick-on grippers to protect his feet. 

 

If you are planning a trip to a park or outdoor event you could bring along a personal fan, cooling vest, or mat.

 

Make sure your furry family member has access to plenty of cool, fresh water, especially if he is outside or has been exercising. You can keep water refreshing by adding ice cubes or by floating frozen water bottles in your pup’s bowl. Pro tip: a metal bowl placed in the shade will stay cooler 

than plastic. When you make ice, you can also freeze broth or peanut butter to make a dog-pleasing “pupsicle.”

 

Some breeds enjoy a dip in a shallow pool or cooling off with a hose shower – others do not. You’ll know whether your furry family member considers water a treat or a trial. Some might prefer sprawling on cool tile or concrete or resting on a damp towel in the shade. You might even find Fido has chosen to dig a hole in the dirt where the soil retains a chill. And who doesn’t enjoy the breeze from a ceiling fan. 

 

Dogs also can become sunburned, especially if they have short or light-colored hair or visible pink skin. If you plan to take Fido out on a sun-filled excursion, and especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., apply dog-friendly sunblock before you go. AVOID Zinc oxide, a common human sunscreen ingredient. It’s toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness or death. 

 

Precautions are always a good idea. If you feel hot, your pup probably does, too. Keep an eye on the temperature and provide options so Fido’s frolics stay fun and safe.