According to Dan Leonard, a seasonal weather expert, we are facing a hot summer of El Niño and shifting jet streams. “In general, we tend to get a stronger-than-normal jet stream,” Leonard said. “This could lead to more frequent downpours and severe thunderstorms.”
Tips for Hot Days
Take walks in the cooler parts of the day. Ask your dog walker to adjust how long your dog is out in the heat. This is especially important if your dog is in fragile health, is elderly, or is a flat-faced breed susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that makes breathing more difficult.
Carry water for your dog. Most pet supply shops sell water bottles with attached caps or covers that serve as a dog cup. There are also collapsible water dishes you can fill from a water fountain or your own bottle.
Check the pavement’s heat by pressing your hand on it for 10 seconds to determine whether it will be uncomfortable or dangerous for your dog. On hot days, let your dog walk in the shade, on grass or on dirt as much as possible to give those paws a break.
Never leave your dog in a car in hot weather. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns, “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes.” They also say, “We’ve heard the excuses: ‘Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,’ or ‘But I cracked the windows …’ These excuses don’t amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle.”
Symptoms and First Aid
The experts at the MSPCA list the signs that you can use to determine if a dog or cat is in danger from heat as: heavy panting, rapid breathing, staggering, and weakness.
Here are the steps they outline for first aid: “Immediately bring the animal to a shady spot.
Cool the animal by dousing them completely with water or placing them in cool water.
Take the distressed pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment for dehydration and other serious problems will be necessary.”
Dealing with Fear
There are noise issues that families with pets face in summer like blasting fireworks and crashing thunder. You can try to desensitize your cat or dog ahead of time by softly playing recordings of the sounds that set them off while tossing a favorite toy around or doing a bit of training. Behaviorists advise watching for any adverse reactions as the volume is increased.
If the animal has a special hiding place he runs to when frightened and you consider it safe, support that choice. You can add background sound from a TV, radio, or recording to help mask outside noise. Our Poppy chooses our bathroom. We play her favorite classical guitar music to calm her, and if it is really scary, Ed will sit with her.
If commonly accepted techniques are not working, consult your veterinarian. A vet can show you how to safely use an “anxiety-wrap” or teach you how to do T-Touch Therapy. She might also prescribe a medication that will take the edge off your pet’s anxiety.
Summer is a great time to share outside activities with your dog. It only takes a bit of knowledge and preparation to be sure you are doing it in a way that is safe and enjoyable for the dog as well.