Every Summer, the Sun Finally Shows Up. Here’s How to Enjoy It Safely With Your Pup.
1. Provide Unlimited Access to Water
Contrary to popular belief, dogs do sweat, and they need to replace their body’s water even faster than we do. On average, dogs should take in about 1.5 ounces of water per pound of body weight each day. That means a 40-pound dog needs about a half-gallon a day, and even more on really hot days. To prevent dehydration, always bring plenty of cool, fresh water and offer it to your dog at least every 20 minutes.
2. Never, Ever Leave Your Dog Alone in a Car
On an 80°F day, the inside of a car can reach 115°F in as little as 30 minutes. At 90°F outside, it can top 125°F in the same amount of time. Every year, hundreds of pets die of heatstroke after being left in vehicles, most of them within minutes. If you have errands to run, bring your pup to dog daycare instead of leaving them in the car.
3. Protect Your Dog From Sunburn
Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned just as easily as people. They’re especially sensitive on the nose, face, ears and belly. The best protection is simply shade, so pack an umbrella or find a big shady tree.
4. Avoid Hot Surfaces
Your dog doesn’t have shoes to protect their feet from scorching ground. Watch out for sand, concrete, asphalt and artificial turf. Grass is the best surface on hot days, and a paw balm can help keep your dog’s pads from drying and cracking.
5. Let Your Dog Swim or Play in Water
Cooling your dog’s body down is key to preventing heat exhaustion, and there’s no better way than a sprinkler, a pool or a swim in a lake or river. Put your dog in a doggie life jacket to help them stay afloat. At Jax, our daycare dogs get pools and water toys in the summer too.
6. Try Summer Treats
You can buy plenty of cold or frozen dog treats, but making your own is cheaper and more fun. Freeze a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or your dog’s favorite treat, or make “pupsicles” in an ice cube tray.
7. Use Cooling Beds
Electronic cooling beds, elevated cots and cooling gel beds are your dog’s best bet for summer lounging. In a pinch, soak towels in ice water and let your dog lie on them to cool off.
Heading Out of Town This Summer?
If your summer travel doesn’t include the dog, our overnight boarding gives your pup daycare during the day and a comfortable suite at night, at our Bellevue, Redmond and Issaquah locations.
Thanks for reading, and have a fun, safe summer with your dog!
