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How to Keep Your Dog Safe, Comfortable and Healthy in Hot Summer Weather

Keeping your dog comfortable in hot weather is not a hard or time consuming thing.   But ignoring your dog's needs could result in illness or death.  As the hotter weather approaches, here are some ways to keep your pup happy and healthy. Dogs, as humans can suffer heat stroke.

Ideally, during the hotter months your pup should live indoors with you.  If that is impossible, make sure your dog has constant access to ventilated shelter. This could be a doghouse with vents toward the top just under the eaves of the roof.  Since heat rises, the hottest air will leave the shelter.  The vents also result in air circulation.  Remember, your best friend has a fur coat on.  A dog breed with a heavier coat shouldn't be left outdoors for more than a short period of time.  A Siberian Husky was not made to be left outside in Houston, for instance. 

Some attention to grooming and basic training and any dog should be able to live inside with its humans. 

If your dog is kept indoors and is a large breed or a breed known for its ability to thrive in cold weather, limit outdoor time.  Taking a Malamute for a long walk in 90 degree temps with 90 percent humidity is a recipe for disaster. 

Never leave your dog in your car. If you need to run into the hardware store for a few minutes, take Thor home first.  A study done through Stanford University showed an outdoor reading of 72 degrees can result in a temp of 116 degrees inside a parked car within one hour.  Cracking the windows made little difference. Think how hot that same car will become within minutes on a hot day.

Keep water available at all times.  No matter the temperature, your dog, as you, needs water to be healthy.  In hot weather, that need increases.  If your dog is outdoors and has shelter, make sure you have a spill proof source of water for your dog.  Pet stores sell pet watering systems and it is worth it to purchase one.

Many dogs love water.  Don't be afraid to take Rover into the pool with you.  It can be a working/bonding time as you toss a toy to the far end of the pool so your best friend can retrieve it.  If you don't have a pool, set out the sprinkler.  You may be surprised how Rover reacts.  Kiddie pools are just a few dollars.  Purchase one and fill with a few inches of water.  That could become your pups new favorite place, especially if you set it in the shade.

Some advocate shaving your dog, but that could bring about new problems such as sunburn or skin irritation.  It is best to contact your vet for the pros and cons if you are considering shaving as a possible way to keep your dog cool. Considerable time in the sun, even for a furry dog, can result in skin cancer, especially for light-furred dogs.

Just use common sense.  If it is too hot for you to be outside in the elements comfortably, it is too hot for your dog. A happy dog and human comes from the trust and companionship you develop.  Keeping your dog comfortable, safe and healthy is how you establish that bond that makes you and your pup best friends. Nothing can compare with that!

» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (1 year 301 days ago.)

Good hints and information Lorrie - so many times we see dong in cars or in the back of a pick up running around - you'd think the owners would be more cautious but maybe it is an absent-minded thing - your article is helpful!

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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁶³⁾ (1 year 301 days ago.)

Thanks, Marijo!  That is high praise coming from you.  Thanks for reading, commenting and encouraging!

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