Summer is almost here... how to keep your dog safe

Dogs feel and deal with heat different than us, humans. The following is a check list to help you keep your dog safe and you both enjoy the summer months.

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• DO NOT exercise your dog when the temperature is above 75F. It is best if you are outdoors before 8 or 9 am and after 6-7 pm when the temps has gone down.
• When the temp is 75F, the asphalt temperature is about 120F. This can burn your dog's paws. Please walk your dog on grass or cement. If this is not an option, I recommend using booties such as RuffWear. 
• Always carry water for your dog, and offer a drink every 30 minutes when walking. I like the AutoDogMug. 
• Panting is the primary method of cooling for your dog. Therefore, if you play with a tennis ball or any other object with your dog, and then you and the dog needs to walk back home, please do not make the dog carry that object in its mouth. Doing so, prevents the dog from blowing out hot air and properly cool itself. Be a mindful owner, and carry the object yourself. 
• If you like running with your dog, you must offer water every 15-20 minutes. The following are signs of overheating and you must stop immediately if you notice them:

1. Excessive panting
2. Red-colored gums
3. Thick ropey saliva in the mouth
4. Warm to the touch
5. Red “flushed” skin near the ears, muzzle, underbelly
6. Sweating or moisture from the paws (uncommon)

• The following breeds are more prone to heatstroke:

1. Breeds that are brachycephalic (i.e., have a smooshed face, preventing them from panting effectively) such as Shih-Tzus, Pekingese, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, boxers, etc.
2. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis (an abnormality of their voice box cartilage)
3. Dogs that have had heat stroke before
4. Dark coated dogs
5. Obese dogs (as the fat insulates them)

• DO NOT leave your dog in a vehicle. In fact, in many States, this is illegal. Even if you leave some windows open, this does not provide enough ventilation for your dog. See below how quickly a vehicle becomes an oven: