Keep Your Dog Safe During The Dog Days of Summer

The term “Dog Days of Summer” traditionally refers to hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. And this coincides with the year’s rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog”—which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris.

Here a Hogan Co, we love our dogs, and we like to keep them safe when it gets hot. Dogs don’t sweat, to cool themselves they pant and drink water. And if they get too hot, they can get heat stoke. What can you do to keep them safe during hot weather?

• During the hottest times of the year, walk your dog early in the morning and later in the evening when it’s cooler.
• Make sure they have lots of water.
• If they are in the yard with you, make sure they have shade.
• Protect their paws – they can get burned. If you need to take them out during the heat of the day, have them walk on grass. Avoid asphalt and cement surfaces. You can protect their paws by using paw wax or moisturizing their paws with an appropriate paw moisturizer.
• Dogs can get skin cancer – and there are dog sun blocks available that can be applied to their nose, paws and places where they have little hair like their belly.
• You might consider a cooling vest and a cooling mat.
• Don’t leave your dog in your parked car – remember the heat inside a parked car is much higher than outside. It’s better to leave your dog at home or take them with you when you park.

Keep an eye on your dog. There are signs that their temperature is too high.

• Drinking excessive / too much water
• Heavy panting
• Disorientation or confusion
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Red Eyes
• Lethargy
• Collapse

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous. If they show signs of heat stroke, get them to the vet right away.

You protect yourself, your family and your co-workers from the heat of the summer season. Do the same for your pets as well. Enjoy bright sunny days and play outdoors for years to come.