Having a Heat Wave

Well, the warm weather has finally arrived, and everyone and their dog is feeling it!  Please remember that dogs don't sweat as humans do, so they have a harder time regulating their body temperature in the hot weather.  Panting helps, but it isn't enough to cool them down on the really hot days.  Some things to remember to help your canine companions during the hot weather:

• Always, always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.  If you take your dog to the park or on a long walk, bring water and offer it regularly.  If your dog is crated during the day and your house is not air conditioned, be sure to install a crate bowl (they attach to the side of the crate) and keep it filled with fresh water.
• If your dog spends a lot of time in your yard, be sure to place a large bowl of fresh water in a shady location for them to drink from.  Remember to empty it daily, or the local bugs will lay their eggs in it.  Drinking contaminated water can lead to some serious pet diseases!  Also, for this reason, don't allow your dog to drink from standing water, puddles or local lakes and streams.  All these water sources are likely infected with several parasites and bacteria, which can make your dog very sick.
• Have fun playing with your dog outside this summer, but please shorten your play sessions and offer water frequently to prevent overheating.
• Never, never leave your dog in the car during the summer months!  If the temperature is above 70 degrees, then it is too hot to leave your dog in the car, even for a short time.  The temperature in a car, even one with the window cracked, will quickly reach 20 to 30 degrees ABOVE the outside temperature!  Even parking in the shade doesn't help much; plus, as the sun moves, that shade can dissappear while you are away.  Dogs will quickly find themselves in distress and many die in hot cars each year.  Don't let your dog be one of them.  Also, serious overheating can lead to illnesses and even neurological damage, so please, please leave your dog at home if he won't be able to accompany you inside at your destination.
• If you have breed with a very short (or no) snout, be extra careful this summer.  These dogs have compromised breathing systems.  They have trouble panting properly and can quickly overheat, even on a short walk, on a hot summer's day.
• Black and dark-colored dogs absorb the sun's rays, making them overheat more quickly than light-colored dogs, whose coats will reflect some of the sun.  Be aware of this if you have dog with a dark coat.
• Not all dogs can swim well!  Certain breeds are not able to paddle in a manner that will keep them afloat.  Even dogs that can swim can get in trouble if they swim too far from the bank. Please supervise your dog at all times while he is in the water.