It is getting hot in the city so here are some tips to keep your pup cool as the temperatures rise
Sunscreen for pets
Dogs can get sunburned, especially on the ears and nose, and they can get skin cancer just like people. You can find sunscreen made for dogs, but any PABA-free sunscreen will work, says Dr. Susan Nelson,Kansas State University
Sunscreen is especially important for short haired and light colored dogs where you need to apply all over your pets body. Most dogs are fine with just applying sunscreen to their ears and nose.
Lots of water
Be sure your pet always has access to fresh water, especially if you’re spending the entire day out in the city or at the beach. You can add ice cubes to water so that it stays cold longer.
Heatstroke is a common problem for dogs in the summer so make sure you are not leaving your pet in a room with no air conditioning, in a hot car for a long, or in constant direct sunlight.
Make sure they are in the shade. Always walk on the shaded side of the street and use shaded dog runs and under trees as a preferable place to exercise your pooch.
Limit their exercise. If they are playing all day in the sun, it can really take a toll on them. Take your dog out first thing in the morning and later in the day when the temperatures drop.
Avoid hot flooring. Pavement can get really hot in the summer and walking on it can hurt your dogs paws just as much as it would hurt your feet. Consider protecting your dogs pads and don’t encourage them to walk on hot grates
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I find that an old t-shirt works well, esp. on white coated breeds. They can slip their legs right into the sleeves, just tie the extra material in a knot on top.
What a great tip. Thanks so much
Good tips. I never really thought of sunscreen but I guess Kilo’s face could get dry/burnt. He gets really hot as a Pug so he can only sunbathe early or late. Have a great warm weekend. Susie
So glad you liked them
Nice tips! I hope everyone stays safe this weekend. I will probably leave my dog at home sadly… it’s just going to be too busy where I’m going 🙁
It is usually the safer choice
I hear that it is getting really hot in some parts of this country. Michigan didn’t get the memo about summer (it is only 72 *F here right now and that’s the hottest it has been all week). Heat stroke is definitely something that pet owners have to watch for in their pets. These are all very helpful tips for avoiding it.
hahahahah. Damn Michigan!!! lol
The UK is currently having a heatwave so literally everywhere but Michigan is hot!! lol
I think those are some excellent suggestions for animals that go outside in the sun. Truffle and Brulee are very light kitties and stay indoors. If I ever built a sun room, I would probably need to consider putting something on them because they are white and silver.
We have to follow some of these tips for our cats also
Such important advice…. especially the bit about hot concrete pavements which people often don’t think about when taking dogs for walks.
So glad you found it helpful
Always important reminder this hot time of year. Great tips!
Very important to keep an even closer eye on your pups health during this time of year. I would just like to add that if you have a double coated dog, PLEASE don’t shave them, that really doesn’t help them any. I actually wrote a post on the subject last month too.
Absolutely right.
We have a guest post from a breeder a couple of weeks ago that talks about exactly this.