Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer

Last week, we shared a tip from PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance about how to spot heatstroke in your dog–a serious condition your dog can fall victim to in as little as an hour.

Even better than recognizing heatstroke, though, is preventing it in the first place. How can you make sure your dog doesn’t get overheated?

William H. Craig, DVM, Chief Medical and Underwriting Director of PurinaCare(R) Pet Health Insurance provides these tips on making sure you don’t have a hot dog this summer!

• Dogs and cats do not sweat – the only way they can get rid of excess heat is through panting.
• Exercise with your pet before the heat of the day. Limit activity on hot days.
• Working breeds, long-haired breeds, pug-nosed breeds, obese animals and enthusiastic dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
• The daily rule for water is: Provide one ounce of water for every pound the animal weighs.
• Family outings with the pet: Provide water in a bowl before any activity and frequently during the day. If you’re thirsty, so is your pet.
• Never leave an animal outside without access to plenty of water and shade. If it is too hot for you to be outside, it is too hot for your pet as well.
• Never, ever leave an animal in an unventilated vehicle. Period. The temperature inside a closed car will reach over 100 degrees in 10 minutes on an 85 degree day. In 30 minutes, the car will reach 120 degrees or more.

Related posts:

1. Recognizing Signs of Heatstroke in Your Dog
2. Keeping Your Dog Cool on the Dog Walk
3. Keeping Your Dog Warm This Winter
4. Keeping Raisin Goodies Away From Your Dog
5. Back to School: Identifying Separation Anxiety