Warm weather advice?

[Roxiesmama]

Roxie came to us in October, so this will be our first spring/summer with her. Today the weather was so nice (70's) that I put her in her play yard outside while I sat and read for a bit. Even though her water bowl was in the play yard with her, she started panting a lot, so I brought her inside.

I think I need some warm weather tips. Can dogs get sunburn? Heatstroke? What precautions should I take as I want to start spending more time outside?

I have been very diligent in keeping up with her flea/tick regimen, and she goes back for her Lyme booster next week.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

[laci32]

Originally Posted by Roxiesmama

Roxie came to us in October, so this will be our first spring/summer with her. Today the weather was so nice (70's) that I put her in her play yard outside while I sat and read for a bit. Even though her water bowl was in the play yard with her, she started panting a lot, so I brought her inside.

I think I need some warm weather tips. Can dogs get sunburn? Heatstroke? What precautions should I take as I want to start spending more time outside?

I have been very diligent in keeping up with her flea/tick regimen, and she goes back for her Lyme booster next week.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Is your play pen in the shade ? I found that was better for Andy

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Roxiesmama

Roxie came to us in October, so this will be our first spring/summer with her. Today the weather was so nice (70's) that I put her in her play yard outside while I sat and read for a bit. Even though her water bowl was in the play yard with her, she started panting a lot, so I brought her inside.

I think I need some warm weather tips. Can dogs get sunburn? Heatstroke? What precautions should I take as I want to start spending more time outside?

I have been very diligent in keeping up with her flea/tick regimen, and she goes back for her Lyme booster next week.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Yes. They can get sunburned. They can get skin cancer. They can also suffer heat stroke. Mine loves to lay in the sun and many times I have hauled her in out of the sun, because I could see her panting. I think she'd stay until she was baked thru and thru!

Oh! I hope you have shade. That's always the best place after a few minutes of sun anyway.

[yorkieusa]

Found some more I'd forgotten about:

Sunburned Nose
Dear Hobo - I am a beardie and my nose hurts when I am outside in the sun too long. What should I do? Ask your human to get some hypoalergenic sun block (maybe a SPF 30) and put it on your nose (especially the pink area) before you go out in the sun. Lots of beardies do it and I have found it works. If it is already sunburned, you need to stay inside until it heals. By the way - Humans should remember not to leave your pets in hot places too long - never in the car in the summer! And make sure clean cool water is always available.

A previous column talked about trimming for summer and shared a little advice about hot weather. Another discussed sunburnt noses. With summer comes the many problems of heat, We thought we should offer some more advice.

It is only common sense to avoid hot places. Just as a human can suffer from heat, your dog can also become sick or even die.

Always provide a source of drinking water. Make sure it is fresh and cool. Remember, dehydration can occur with dogs just like with humans. Your dog gets rid of heat through panting, or through the pads of its feet. Also - if you leave water in a bowl, consider a spill proof bowl.

Make sure there is a good source of ventilation (moving air), shade, and a place where they can cool off. If your dog is in a pen, consider purchasing a fan, There are sun covers also available to provide shade without sacrificing ventilation. There are also products named as "cool mats" or similar which are designed to hold water for a long time without spillage and provide a cool resting place. These have even been used in cars as the mat in a crate, etc.

Avoid strong exersize in the warmest part of the day. Early morning or evenings are the best time. Limit the time according to the temperature.

Never leave a dog in a parked car. The temperatures can reach over 150 F (66 C). Heat stroke, or death can result. It is a common error to believe that leaving a window partly open will eliminate problems with heat.

Other travel may require special precautions. If flying, make sure your flight is direct. Dogs have been injured by being held in baggage compartments on hot runways (sometimes with ventilation cut off while the plane is parked).

If traveling in a car, make sure you are prepared for feeding a water (and an occasional break for potty and exersize). Watch out for your dog's safety, allowing them to stick their head out the window (wind, dust and particles blowing in their face) can result in eye or nose damage or even swallowing something that may block their windpipe. Also, remember that your dog can get injured in car accidents just like a human. Most experts suggest having them ride in a crate or using a dog body harness. Never let them ride in the open back area of a truck

If you leave your pet at home, make sure someone is there to supervise him and provide him with his needs. Consider using day pet care, or boarding kennel for longer trips. Outside might not be a good idea if left alone - not only is hot weather a concern, but also summer storms can be dangerous or cause anxiety.

The common signs of heat stroke are:

rapid panting
twitching muscles
hot skin
dazed look
If any of these occur you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. But you should first cool the dog by using cold water, either with towels soaked in cool (not cold) water, using a hose, or even a cool bath. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Ice packs or cool towels can be applied to the dogs chest, neck and head areas (only). you can give them sips of cool water or a few licks on ice cubes. A trip to the vet could save your dog's life.
Avoid walking or leaving your dog on hot surfaces such as sidewalks, asphalt or sand. These tend to reflect heat, and also may burn the paws.

Not all dogs are swimmers - make sure you supervise your dog if near a lake. Also remember that your dog may drink dirty water and become ill from parasites or other undesirable contaminants. Drinking sea water (salt water) can be deadly in quantity. Some lakes and most pools are treated with chemicals - this is not a good place to get a quick drink.

Dogs can get sunburn just like humans. Use sunscreen, There are products available for dogs, but a good hypoallergenic product can be used on noses and other exposed areas. You may also wish to consider products for the coat which protect from harmful UV exposure (and they will prevent damage to the coat as well).

Summer is the season for insects. Protect against flees, ticks and heart worm. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations in your area.

Warm weather also brings on allergies from pollen, grass weeds and fleas, etc. If your dog is chewing on himself, consult with a veterinarian.

Careful of what dogs might drink - antifreeze can posinon your dog and a little puddle might be tempting to drink (it tastes sweet and seems to attract dogs)

Use common sense.
More Hot Weather Tips for dogs

[Britster]

I've never had any issues. Just make sure they always have water. In the summertime, we can sometimes be outside for over 3-5 hours at a time and Jackson loves it. He usually will find a shady spot to lay down after a while.