How will the "Dog Days of Summer" effect your Doodle?
August gives us the most sweltering days of Summer. The sticky and humid temps are enough to make anyone lose their cool. Dogs are especially sensitive to extreme temperatures. Due to their physical makeup, they don’t have the ability to sweat all over like humans do, making it hard for them to cool down quickly. They might sweat a small amount through their pads, but the main way a dog cools off is by panting. They are at a high risk of overheating when the temps climb, which can be deadly if not controlled. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep them cool and safe during the summer.
Canine heat stress can be reduced by following this simple list.
- Water - Keep your Doodle hydrated! It is essential that you keep fresh, cool water available to your dog at all times. They should be drinking about ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.
- Change your walking time - It is best to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Temperatures are coolest at dawn or dusk. The asphalt or cement might even be hot enough to give your dog’s paws burns.
- Treats - Feed them treats that are cool, high in water content or both.
- Dive In - Kiddie pools are fun for your Doodle wade in or use as a giant drinking bowl.
- Proper Grooming - The undercoat is actually part of a dog’s natural cooling system, but if not properly maintained it can become matted and prevent air flow across your dog's skin.
- Most importantly, use common sense!
