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Dog Days Of Summer - Helping Your Dog Keep His Cool
by Becky Mundt
http://www.art4fortune.com/gooddogs
Sunny summer days seem to incite all sorts of fun
activities with your dog: from playing fetch in the park to
frisbee on the beach. Unfortunately, as temperatures soar,
the hot weather also brings with it some very specific
hazards such as sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Good news, these threats to your pooch are preventable.
Yes, Dogs can Get Sunburned!
Just like humans, dogs can be burned by the sun, especially
the nose, tips of the ears and around the lip area.
Commonsense dictates that you keep your dog in the shade
during the hours when the sun's rays are most intense -
usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, if you need
to be outside during these times, it's okay to apply sun-
block to your dog's nose and the exposed skin on the ears.
It's a little risky to apply sun-block around the lips so
instead just keep a close watch and make sure that the area
doesn't get too pink. If you notice that any portion of
your dog's skin is reddened or blistered, contact your
veterinarian right away.
Protecting Your Dog from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
Parked cars, even in winter or cool weather in direct
sunlight can become literal ovens very quickly. This is one
of the most common and most dangerous causes of severe heat
exposure, stroke and even death for dogs. Never leave a
pet in a parked car if at all possible. It is also wise to
avoid heavy exercise for dogs on hot or humid days. And,
finally, for outdoor living dogs, make certain to provide
shade and a place of shelter for those hot summer days. An
old child's wading pool can also provide needed relief when
the summer gets hot. Take particular care with older dogs,
who do not withstand heat as well in old age.One old lab-
rador retriever we knew used to enjoyed frequent dips in
the family fish pond during long hot summers.
There are simple ways to keep your pet cool this summer.
Don't take your dog with you on errands if you need to
leave her in the car. However, if you're traveling with
your dog and must make a stop, even for the shortest period
of time, consider leaving the air conditioner on.
Do you like strenuous exercise with your dog? In summer,
make sure to keep an eye on not pushing too hard. Let her
stay home if it's a challenge even for you to go out!
Outdoor dogs who have no shade spot in the yard will be
quite happy with a large beach umbrella as a replacement
for a favorite tree. Whatever you do, made certain your
dog always has access to shade if he lives outdoors.
Keep older dogs and those with lung or heart conditions
inside your home on hot days. If you don't have air
conditioning, keep a fan running.
Pay attention to the surfaces your dog is exposed to on hot
days. Standing on a baking hot truck bed or sidewalk can
burn her feet. If she has to be standing outside, find a
grassy spot or at least somewhere out of direct sun.
Water, Water, Water!
The best thing about dogs is that they will drink plenty of
water and keep themselves well hydrated, so long as they
have access to plenty of fresh clean water. You don't have
to remind them to do it! Just make sure they have plenty of
water available.
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