Florida summers can be tough on dogs. Even those of us who grew up here know the sun doesn’t mess around. If you want your dog to get through it safe and happy, you’ve got to be smart about the heat.
Start by switching up your walking routine. The sun’s brutal from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so get those walks in before breakfast or after dinner. The pavement’s another story; press your hand down for five seconds. If it burns, it’ll fry your dog’s paws much faster.
Hydration is everything. Always keep cool water where your dogs can reach it, inside and out. Throw a few ice cubes in their bowl and carry water on walks. Shade’s critical, too. If you don’t have an enormous tree or a breezy porch; set up a fan or lay out a wet towel for them to sprawl on. But don’t stick them outside and hope for the best. Dogs need a cool escape, and nothing beats air conditioning.
Resist the urge to shave your dog if they’ve got a thick coat. Their fur actually keeps them from getting sunburned and helps with cooling. Take a brush to them instead to get rid of the extra undercoat. And yes, dogs can get sunburned. Be sure to rub a little pet-safe sunscreen on their ears, nose, and any spots with thin hair.
Heatstroke kills fast. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, confusion, dark gums, or if your dog staggers or vomits. Move fast: get them in the shade, splash on cool (not ice-cold) water, and call your vet right away. Bulldogs, pugs, older dogs, and chubby pets have it even worse. Don’t let them stay outside when it’s hot and sticky.
Then there’s water safety. Never let your dog swim unsupervised, as they can wear out quickly, just like children. Make sure they know where the pool steps are and rinse their fur after they swim to wash out chlorine or salt. Bring your own water to the beach or park so they don’t gulp down pool, ocean, or lake water. If you’re boating, strap on a doggy life vest.
Before summer really hits, take your dog for a vet check. If they’re not already on year-round heartworm prevention, get them tested and started now.
The rest is common sense, but easy to forget:
- Close any unscreened windows. Dogs can tumble out after a squirrel. Trim long fur, but leave a couple of layers for protection. For cats, brush them more often in summer to help them manage the heat.
- Keep your dog off sizzling concrete. Their pads burn just like your feet would. Short walks only during the blazing hours.
- Using weed killers or bug sprays in your yard? Keep your pets away until the area dries. Store fertilizers and chemicals far from curious noses. The same goes for citronella candles, tiki torches, and insect coils. Never leave them where your pets can chew or sniff them.
- Double-check your garden for toxic plants. Even if a plant isn’t deadly, eating a bunch can upset its stomach. Don’t let your guard down and monitor them outdoors.
- Food’s another hidden danger. Dogs and cats don’t handle rich, fatty scraps, alcohol, or certain foods you’d never guess were toxic. Stick to their normal food and treats. Pick up dropped scraps and keep trash closed tightly. If you’re having a backyard cookout, keep drinks and leftovers out of reach. Alcohol is downright dangerous to pets.
- And fireworks? Just don’t. The noise scares pets half to death, and the chemicals and explosives are a whole other risk. Keep pets indoors and away from windows, in a secure, quiet spot during fireworks shows.
- If you think your pet ate or drank something dangerous, don’t wait. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away.
Summer’s what you make it. With a bit of prep and some common sense, you and your dog can enjoy it without worry. Stay cool.
