Your Dog Could Die in the Summer Heat If You Don't Follow These Simple Rules
With summer heat rising to record-breaking highs, and pet parents desperate to keep their furry babies happy and healthy, I've noticed an alarming trend - a shit ton of people do not understand the consequences heat stroke brings, or how quickly it can do so.
In case you didn't know, heat stroke can kill a dog in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. That's all - one car ride to work, one bus ride home from school, one brew of coffee, one unbridled moment of passion with your partner. No, I'm not exaggerating. That's literally all it takes, and you don't get a do-over. You don't get a magic spell that brings them back to life. That's it. Fin. End.
Below, I've written some tips for dog parents who are serious about ensuring the safety and well-being of their animals - that should be all pet parents*, but I know, in reality, it's not.
Ideally, you should follow several guidelines for keeping your dogs safe in the summer heat. Not only should you take into consideration them getting hot, in general, but you should also give thought to details such as their fur type & thickness, whether they are brachycephalic, and at what temperature they need to be wearing shoes to prevent the concrete from burning their paw pads - yes, dog shoes. Yes, I'm serious. YES, I use them for my girls, and I love them!
I even have proof! đđŒ
If there is one thing to know about me, know this: I will always tell you the truth, and I will taste my own medicine to do so. The truth, brutal even, is of utmost importance to me, morally. I hate a liar. That's the fastest way to get me skedaddling away to the nearest exit I scouted for as soon as we got to the location - C-PTSD dies hard, and I don't think I will ever stop looking for exits, just in case. đ„ŽI'm not hurting anyone, just raising my heart rate a bit; should be fine. It's fine.
Anyway, back to the pups. I'm awful about going on tangents, seriously.
So, How Can You Keep Them Safe?
The most important aspect of heat stroke you need to be very aware of is time. The longer you wait when you suspect heat stroke, the lower the chances become of bringing your baby home alive. That's just the simple, scary truth.
There are ways to prevent your pets from getting anywhere near that fatal brink. It's just time, consideration, and knowing the basics when dealing with potential dangers - all of which anyone can do, especially with the endless wealth of knowledge and websites to push out that newfound information.
Golden Rules
- No walks if the weather is 90 degrees or higher; this can be bumped all the way down to 80, depending on factors such as whether it's breezy and chaotic or still and calm. I personally don't take them out until it's 85 or below, which ends up being around 8:00 pm in the Texas summer - or not at all. They can't have one if it never gets below 90, and it's already hot in the early morning.
- No more than 10 to 15 minutes of outside time each potty break; Dogs can die within those 10 to 15, so being vigilant about time is of utmost importance. When it's above 85 Fahrenheit, the most we let the girls play is a few minutes, and then we go inside. They don't need to be out in the scorching sun any longer than we do.
- If you're hot, they're hotter. Sure, they pant, but that doesn't make them any less susceptible to the consequences of extreme heat. They minimally sweat, and it's only through their little paw pads. If it's too hot for you to leisurely stand outside, then it's certainly too hot for them to be out running.
- If the pavement is too hot to leave your hand there for 10 seconds without moving, then it's too hot for your dogs to be out without proper footwear, as shown above. We also use them for areas that have more rough terrain than just sidewalk - pro tip.
- Bring water! You can purchase a little dog water bottle that folds out into a bowl at a pet store and fill it maybe halfway on walks. Keep in mind that if they drink too much water at once and are active, it could lead to Bloat, immediately requiring a veterinarian.
- If you have a brachycephalic dog, no more than 10 minutes in excessive heat. They are more susceptible. Brachycephalic means they have a face that looks like it was squooshed in. They already have trouble getting air through those tiny nasal passages, and they don't tolerate heat well.
- If it's hot, do not take the long route. I get that they need their exercise, but they also need to stay safe, and being outside in scorching heat is not the way to achieve that.
Symptoms To Look Out For
This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. Visit the sources at the bottom of the page to read more information!
- Heavy breathing/panting
- Excessive breathing
- Disorientation/Confusion
- Pale or bright red gums
- Lack of coordination
- Dry Mucous Membranes
- Seizures
- Lethargy and weakness
- Thick drool that comes out like 'ropes'
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulties with balance
- Uncontrolled bowels or urinary tract
- Unwillingness to move, even when coaxed
You need to get them to a vet as soon as possible for the best chance of a positive outcome. To help start cooling them slowly, put cool, not cold, water on their neck, belly, thighs, and put a fan on them. DO NOT drape cold towels over them. This can be done in the car on the way to the vet, if you have someone to help you.
*If you don't like me calling you 'pet parents,' I refuse to say I "own" members of my family, and I'm not going to say you "own" yours, either. I believe dogs should have autonomy - within reason, obviously. đ
Author's note: I want to give a little info on my background, as I'm not sure I've done that yet! These are the same rules I have set for my 3 girls. We have managed to integrate 3 females, 2 of whom are large and don't always get along, I have treated some very rare, and very severe cases of numerous illnesses and assisted in the same types of surgeries. I worked in 2 different kennels - the second, I managed the kennel and set its rules and regulations. I even wrote a 100 page handbook myself. I am currently writing a fully comprehensive dog parent guide!
I treat every single soul with the same love and care I would a human baby, and I have always made the animals' comfort top of mind, because they are worth it. I love animals more than I love most humans, and I won't apologize for that. Ask me to clean up after a small child that is not my own? NO. đ€ąA dog covered in diarrhea? Of course, that poor baby's tummy is upset! đ€·đŒââïžđ Here are a few photos of me loving on sweet babies. I still remember their names. đ
Sources to go to for more information:
