How To Protect a Dog from the Heat

During the hot summer months, it's important to take precautionary measures to protect your dog from the heat.  Like people, dogs can become overheated in the blazing sun and become dehydrated and parched.  Some may even die.  Do what you can to prevent this from happening to your dog by following these guidelines.

First and foremost, your dog should have access to clean, cold water.  Without an adequate water supply, your dog can become dehydrated.  Be sure the water is clear and free of any mold or mildew.  When you put your dog outside in the morning, drop several ice cubes in the water to keep the water nice and cool for hours.  If possible, place the water dish on level ground, in a cool, shady part of the yard.

Make sure your dog has somewhere to escape the scorching sun.  If you don't have shade trees in the yard, consider setting up a small awning.  A tarp can be fashioned into a shade-providing awning by supporting it with poles, or by tying it to a fence.  Whatever you can come up with to offer a shady spot for your dog  will work.

To keep cool, dogs will dig a hole in the dirt and lay inside.  This helps keep their body temperature cool and comfortable.  If you notice that your dog has begun to dig, and the weather is hot, this is likely the cause.  Don't punish the dog, as he is doing this as a way to stay cool.

NEVER leave your dog in an enclosed car.  Your dog may enjoy a nice car ride but if you cannot take him with you when you get to your destination, it's best to leave him at home.  Temperatures rise to dangerous levels very quickly inside a car in the summer, which can result in heat stroke or death.  Leaving your dog in a hot car is like putting him in an oven.

Any time your local area issues a heat warning, dogs should be kept inside.  When temperatures get this high, it can be lethal to leave your dog outdoors.  Keep your dog safe and comfortable inside the home.  Barricade him in a bathroom or in the kitchen, place him in a kennel, or even leave him with family or friends, but do not leave them outside in this unsafe weather.