July 3rd to August of 11th of every summer for over the last 500 years has been considered the Dog Days of Summer- the question is, “what does that even mean?” The answer might actually surprise you. In ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, it was believed that the rising of Sirius (the Dog Star) in mid- to late summer was the reason for the hot and miserable weather conditions. Thus the term, “Dog Days” has survived for centuries; fortunately the blame has been lost and no longer directed towards our fuzzy and friendly canine companions.
The hottest days of the year can be pretty intolerable for humans and it is even more so for our pups due to their coats. It is important to practice weather safety to keep our pets cool and protected on the hottest days of the year.
Tips for Hot Weather Safety
Plenty of water! Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid both indoors and outdoors.
Made for shade. If it is absolutely necessary to have your pet outside during the heat, make sure to provide them with a shady place to get out of the sun.
Keep exercise to a minimum. Our pets thrive on exercise and play, however even they want to bask in the coolness of the shade when it gets too hot. Over exertion can lead to heatstroke or even death- so keep activity to a minimum.
Never, I repeat NEVER leave your pet in a hot car. This should go without saying, though day after day pets are left to suffer in hot cars, many with a grim outcome. Five minute errands can mean the death of your pet. If you have errands to run it is best to leave your pet at home.
Don’t leave them alone by the pool. Having a pool is great for our pups who like to swim and an excellent way to keep the whole family cool. However, not all dogs are born great swimmers and many have heavy barrel chests that can cause them to sink. Keep a close eye on them to ensure everyone has a “cool” time.
Protect those pads. When the temperature begins to soar, so does the temperature of the asphalt. Don’t let your dog walk on hot asphalt, opt for a grassy area. Their paw pads are very susceptible to burns, just as it would be for a human to walk barefoot on hot asphalt. In addition, with bodies so close to a hot surface area, their internal temperature can rise very quickly.
Our pets are our friends and our family and we want to protect them and keep them happy and healthy. Following these tips will ensure a happy summer for the whole family. If you or someone you know is looking to bring home a fur-ever friend of your own, please visit premierpups.com today.