· SUMMER Heat
Never leave your dog unattended in a car during hot weather. It can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly.
Walk your dog early in the morning and/or late evening. Stay off of very hot black pavement in the middle of the day.
Pavement and side walks get very hot.
Take periodic rest, water breaks, and walk on grassy surfaces if it is very hot.
Black dogs especially need shade when outside on hot days.
If your dog is panting heavily, discontinue activity and resume later, and also, do not let your dog drink water until your dog has stopped panting heavily.
Try swimming. A baby pool with a few inches of water is a wonderful way to cool your dog off!!
Don’t forget to wipe your dog’s ears out afterwards.
Don’t forget to give Frontline to your dog. Check your dog for ticks.
Heatstroke can occur any time a dog is overheated. If you suspect heatstroke, immediately take the dog out of the heated area, wet down with cold water, fan the wet dog and call the GEB vets. Dogs with heatstroke salivate excessively, have labored breathing, are weak, may tumble, and have a very high rectal temperature. Please refer to “Heatstroke” on page 34 of your puppy manual.
Cool down !!
If a puppy has been out running and playing, do NOT give any water if the puppy is panting HEAVILY. Let the puppy cool down and then give some water. Giving water after vigorous exercise can cause SERIOUS health problems.
Hints and Tips for the hot summer days.
Never leave your dog unattended in a car in hot weather. The car can heat up to dangerous temperatures in no time at all!!!
Walk your dog in early morning or late evening. Even in late afternoon, the pavement is still hot and can hurt the pup.
If your dog is panting heavily, discontinue activity and resume later.
Try swimming!! It’s great exercise, it’s cool, and most labs love the water!!!
Make sure plenty of fresh water is available for your dog to drink at all times. If your dog has been panting heavily, wait a little before giving the water. Many dogs enjoy chewing on ice cubes (a no calories treat!).
Heatstroke is a very serious condition. If you suspect heatstroke, immerse your dog in cool water or stand your dog in a shower, and contact AC, PE, or GEB vets immediately. Possible symptoms include a sharp rise in temperature, shallow breathing, laborious panting, drooling, unsteadiness when standing, and, in extreme cases, collapse.
Stay cool and have a great summer!