HOT-HOT-HOT!

Hello Adventurers!  Well, summer is here in this part of the world, which means that the heat is ON! Dogs are more sensitive to heat.  If you’re not paying attention, they will & can overheat/become dehydrated. So here are some helpful tips for you & Fido as you go about your summer activities: 

Trying to beat the heat w/a morning hike

1) Check the weather forecast for the day/week

2) If you’re expecting hot weather, plan your pooch’s walks early in the morning or later in the evening to beat the heat!

Our Favorite Water Container-we never go on a hike without it! H204K9

3) Be sure to bring plenty of water for you & your dog – allow them to drink!  Check out the coolest water container http://www.activedogadventures.com/Shop  look at our featured item: H204k9 My dogs love & so do I! no wasting water!

4) When going on an afternoon excursion, check to see how hot the surface is by touching it with your hand.  The ground may seem all good & well since you have shoes to protect your feet, but the hot ground may burn your dog’s pads & be super uncomfortable.

The trail got warm fast & with Hina's thick coat, she looked for the nearest shade to cool off!

5) If your dog has thin white fur or patches of thin white fur, like on their muzzle – you may need to apply sunscreen.  Dogs do burn – Donna loves to sunbathe, so when summer rolls around, she gets the sunscreen spray!

 6)Be cognizant of your dog’s breathing.  If they are panting a lot & their tongues are hanging out, find the nearest shade & allow them to rest.  You can also help cool them down by wetting their underside/chest.  Don’t force them to walk further.. they’re trying to tell you that they’re hot & tired! If your dog is having a hard time keeping their balance or can’t stand, then you should take them to get immediate medical attention. 

7) Walk with a group or another dog pal & their human.  Just in case anything happens, you’ll have someone with you to help. 

8) Please DO NOT leave your fur-baby in the car when it’s warm, even with the windows rolled down, they may be in grave danger!

I usually take a Hydro-backpack or Camelpack with the water bladder.  I’m able to carry my dog’s water or Smudge will sport a backpack, depending on how hot it is.  The dogs also have a Cool Koat, which I soak in water prior to our walk.  They wear it during the walk which helps keep the sun off their backs and cools their torso with the moisture. 

Keep your dogs safe & heatstroke free this summer by taking small precautions! Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit too!   Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure (at least I think that’s the saying….) 

Smudge & Donna take a much needed break from the sun!

Happy Trails!

David, CPDT

Smudge, Kai & Primadonna

Active Dog Adventures

“Because every dog deserves a COOL Adventure”

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