The snow is melting. The trees are budding. The birds are chirping. Spring is upon us and summer is just around the corner. Cabin fever is bringing people outside and pet parents are bringing their furry friends with them. Warm temperatures can wreck havoc on people but can often be more detrimental to your pets if they are not cared for properly. Here are some tips for those dog days of summer.



Water, Water Everywhere

Proper hydration is essential for your pet all year long but becomes even more so in the summer. Before you leave your house with your pet remember to bring plenty of water. The ASPCA recommends carrying a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water. Keeping your pet properly hydrated is one of the most important aspects in keeping your pet safe in hot weather.

If you keep your pet's food and water outside or in a warm location consider moving it to a cooler location or inside. Water sitting in the summer sun can heat up extremely quickly. The bottom line: give your pet easy access to cool clean water and when you leave your home, make sure that cool clean water comes with you.

Hot Cars and Pets: A Lethal Combination

Never, ever leave your pet inside a car unattended! Even if you crack the windows, a car's temperature can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a warm day. Heat stroke, brain damage and suffocation are all threats to a pet trapped inside a hot car. If you can't bring your pet inside with you consider leaving your pet at home instead. If you absolutely must leave your pet in the car while running errands the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests taking a spare key with you so that you can lock your dog inside your air-conditioned car.

A Day at the Beach

Summertime fun is in order when it comes to your pets and the beach is often on a pet parent's list of things to do. Nonetheless, the beach can be dangerous for your furry friends unless you prepare properly. If the beach has little shade consider one that has more coverage. A cool and shady spot for your dog to rest, off the hot sand, is very important whether you are at a beach or a park.

Furthermore, salt water will dehydrate your pet so make sure plenty of fresh water is on hand. Also, although dogs love to swim and many are strong swimmers, rip currents are a threat. Just as with people, it is easy to get swept away by a strong current or pulled under by an under tow. If you let your dogs swim watch them carefully and once out of the ocean, make sure to rinse them off with fresh water.

Playtime

The ASPCA suggests playing outside with your dog either in the early morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler. They also suggest forgoing outdoor play time just after a meal or when it is too humid. They also suggest keeping an eye on older and overweight animals on hot days. According to them, snub-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs, Lhasa apsos, pugs, Boston terriers, and shih tzus, are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. These types of dogs should be kept indoors on hot days as much as possible.

Be Aware

Pet parents love having some outdoor fun with their hounds but being cautious, prepared and aware is integral. If your pet seems tired he/she probably is. Don't overwork them either. Short outdoor play sessions are the best on summer days. Some signs that your pet is overheating are: excessive panting, drooling, a staggering gait, listlessness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and a dark red or purple tongue and gums.

If your dog does overheat DO NOT dump them into a tub of freezing water. Lower their body temperature gradually by immersing them in cool water instead. The AVMA suggests giving small amounts of cold water or ice cubes to them as well. It's most important that you take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Both the ASPCA and the AVMA agree that swift action could help save your pet's life.