As the temperatures soar, you may be eagerly planning some outdoor adventures with your four-legged friends. Yet while the season is rife with opportunities for fun in the sun, your older dog needs a little extra attention this time of year. Before heading out with your pooch, consider the following summer safety tips so you and your canine companion can fully enjoy these dog days of summer.
1. Understand dogs can overheat.
When we overheat, we know to seek shade and grab a drink of water--and for the most part, dogs know to do the same. It is important to note, though, that our furry friends are naturally more prone to heat-related injuries than we are. Here are three reasons why:
While aging does not automatically lend a medical diagnosis, older dogs are unfortunately susceptible to age-related diseases. Since many of these conditions can cause difficulties with breathing and heat regulation, knowing your pup’s ailments can help you better protect your dog. Let’s take a look at a few common diseases that can affect senior dogs--and how these can lead to additional problems when temperatures rise.
This one is a no brainer, and in many states, it’s illegal. Although it may be tempting to make a quick grocery or post office run with your pooch, there is simply no excuse when it comes to pets and hot cars. According to a study reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “The temperatures in [cars] parked on a hot, but partly cloudy day, exceeded 125 degrees Fahrenheit within 20 minutes.” An additional study supported the theory that the temperature of a car’s interior steadily rises with time. Don’t be fooled into thinking that cracking the car windows will do the trick to keep your pet cool — these studies found that opening the windows a tad had minimal effect on the inside temperature.
We all know that regular exercise is crucial for overall wellness, but when it comes to senior dogs, we must consider a variety of factors to keep them both safe and healthy during the summer months. If you live in a hot climate, avoid mid-afternoon romps and opt for early morning or late evening sessions to keep your pet cool. If walks are your dog’s fancy, choose shady trails and avoid hot sidewalks. If the forecast calls for an afternoon drizzle, plan your walk after (or during) the shower for a refreshing treat. For dogs that love the water, swimming is an ideal summer sport.
Be your pet’s advocate and encourage your companion to exercise and play, while keeping reasonable expectations. If you are considering a new exercise regimen for your friend, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.
In many states, folks play with fireworks well after the Fourth. Did you know that more pets go missing on Independence Day than any other day of the year? Even senior dogs with signs of hearing loss may react unexpectedly to a loud boom from a firework, so don’t assume your aging pup is immune to this common noise aversion. Play it safe and refrain from bringing your canine companions to summer celebrations.
Keeping your dog prim and proper is ideal year-round, but as the weather warms, you may be tempted to give your furry friend a complete shave-down. While it may seem logical to remove your pet’s hair in order to keep them pet cool, avoid shaving your pet completely. A dog’s fur coat not only works as an insulator to help maintain normal body temperature, but it also protects your pet from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. While haircuts are encouraged, especially if your dog has a thick or dark fur coat, no pet should be shaved to the skin. If your senior pet has difficulty standing for long periods of time or may not otherwise be a good candidate for a grooming appointment, contact your groomer to see if they can make accommodations. If you are planning to groom your pet at home, consider a harness like this one to help your pet stand comfortably during primping.
As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity, rendering it thin, sensitive, and more susceptible to the sun and other environmental hazards. The same goes for our pets. While any furry friend can fall victim to sunburn, senior dogs are especially at risk, particularly those with short coats and light-colored fur such as pitbull terriers and dalmatians. A dog’s belly, underarms, and muzzle are especially susceptible to sunburn, so keep a close eye on these areas. Always provide a shaded place for your pet, keeping in mind that these areas may change throughout the day. If you absolutely can’t keep your pet out of the sun, consider a pet-safe sunscreen, but avoid products containing zinc oxide, which can have toxic effects if ingested.
Swimming is a great form of exercise for senior dogs who suffer from painful joint diseases like osteoarthritis. The combination of a low-impact activity along with a refreshing way to stay cool makes for an ideal summer treat. But, if you and your pet frequent your local pond or lake, get familiar with cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. This unique plant-like organism is typically harmless until it overgrows or “blooms,” contaminating the surrounding water with high levels of phosphorous, nitrogen, and other potential toxins. Affected pets (and people!) may become severely ill if they ingest the tainted water, especially those with underlying disease. Before heading out to your favorite swim spot with your dog, check your local reports for blue-green algae levels.
9. Get saltwater smart.A salty dog may be your cocktail of choice, but it is not an ideal scenario for your pooch. On a hot summer day, a dip in the ocean can be a much-needed reprieve for people and pets alike, but if your pup drinks seawater to quench his thirst, he may actually cause further dehydration, along with many other unpleasant gastrointestinal and neurological signs.
Senior pets with underlying kidney or urinary problems require extra attention when it comes to monitoring for saltwater ingestion, as these pets already struggle to maintain adequate hydration. When you add the excess sodium from seawater, compromised canines may become severely ill. If you are planning a beach day with your furry friends, provide plenty of fresh water and encourage them to drink often.
Proud owners of senior dogs know that life moves at a different pace as our pets age. Their gait slows down, they sleep a bit more, and they may not always be up for that long, evening walk. As the temperatures rise, our older companions often require additional considerations. If you are planning an outing this summer with your senior pup, be prepared by having the following on hand:
It’s natural to want your canine sidekick to join in on your plans, but often it is best — and safest — if they skip out on the summer fun. If you are ever unsure how your senior dog will handle a summer outing, consider leaving them safe, sound, and comfortable at home.
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