Summer Safety Tips
DOGS LEFT IN THE CAR:
There’s a ton of online information and many warnings about leaving dogs (or anyone!) in the car on hot days. But still people keep doing it. Perhaps these people who continue to do so are not online. So please spread the word to all your friends and relatives about how dangerous and inhumane this is. Even with the windows open a bit, the car can get much hotter than the outdoor temperature and dogs can experience great distress and potentially life threatening harm via heat stroke. Keep in mind that dogs have to pant to decrease their body temperature. They don’t have the sweat glands than people have. Tell everyone: leave the dogs at home on warm days — please!
HOT, SORE FEET:
Dogs feet are tough — but many people forget that they can still become traumatized by excessive heat from sun-baked asphalt or from excessive running on concrete, gravel, or or other surfaces. Dogs’ feet are prone to injuries and discomfort from these surfaces during high temperatures and extreme exercise. They’re often so devoted to their owner and the fun, that they will run through pain to keep up. Please remember to keep them cool (keep feet off hot surfaces) and prevent them from overdoing it — especially in the hot weather.
HYDRATION:
We always remember to hydrate ourselves, because we can reach for a beverage whenever we wish. Dogs can’t communicate when they are thirsty. If it’s very warm and they’re panting a lot to cool their body temperature, they will need extra hydration — even more so if they are being active. Please remember to pack water for your dog whenever you’re out and about in the summer weather.
SAFETY IN MOVING VEHICLES:
Finally, hot weather seems to encourage more incidents of dogs riding in the back of trucks (or hanging out of windows to stay cool). Veterinarians see many patients who are very badly injured due to accidents that occur in these circumstances. Dogs fall out of the back of trucks and fall out of open windows! And often those injuries are devastating (for the patient, owner & vet!) Please keep your pets safe and secure in a moving vehicle (or leave them safe and cool at home).
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