Dog days of summer

WAG! A Dog-Friendly Festival

Dog days of summer

By Marguerite Marsh

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

We have air conditioners for a reason — sometimes it's just too hot to be outside in the muggy weather of late summer, let alone exercising in it. The same holds true for your dog.

The summer months are tough, because dogs are prone to sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration — just like us. Fortunately, taking some simple precautions can help ensure your canine companion enjoys the dog days of summer with you.

Keeping your dog cool is the primary goal, and the best way to do that is ensuring they stay hydrated by providing lots of fresh, cool drinking water. Bring it with you in the car or wherever your dog goes.

Your dog may also enjoy cooling off by splashing in a shallow pool, running under a sprinkler or drinking from the hose. Swimming is also great exercise, as long as they can swim and enjoy the water, said Dr. Dondi Dahlgaard, author of Dog Age: How to Keep Your Dog Youthful and Healthy.

"Not all dogs do," she said. "Some are more comfortable in the water than others. So rely on your dog to show you his abilities and his limits."

When you go outdoors, remember that dogs can also get heatstroke, especially dogs that are dark in color, thick-coated or overweight, as well as short-muzzled breeds like bulldogs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs and pugs, Dahlgaard said.

"Hot temperatures can hit them especially hard. Vigorously exercising them in the summer is not a smart thing to do. Active exercise should only be done in the mornings or in the evenings when — and only if — it is cooler," she said.

Also, check the pavement to make sure the asphalt or concrete isn't too hot for your dog's paws.

How do you know if your dog has heatstroke and needs emergency veterinary care? If you're out for a run or a walk and the animal simply gives up, lies down and won't get up, it's a clear sign of overheating or possible heatstroke, Dahlgaard said. Also look for weakness, excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea.

Sunburn can be a problem for dogs with light-colored fur and skin — they may need to wear sunscreen on their ears and noses. And while shaving your dog's coat may keep him cooler, it will make him more prone to sunburn.

As much as your dog enjoys running errands with you, have him sit out car rides during the summer heat. The Franklin County Dog Shelter advises that if you must leave your dog in the car for even a few minutes, carry an extra set of keys so you can leave the engine running and the air conditioning on, with your dog inside and the doors locked. The inside of your car can reach 120 F in a matter of minutes — even if you park in the shade and crack the windows.

You and your dog will enjoy the summer if you think ahead, keep him cool and think safety first. He'll thank you while he's lying in front of the A/C vent, dreaming about running, playing or sleeping in air conditioning.

For the latest pet events, tips, trends and news for dog and cat lovers, click to Marguerite Marsh's blog Heavy Petting at ColumbusAlive.com

August 21, 2008