09/06/2024
And it felt so much hotter! This was the temperature reading from the van while we were out seeing appointments last Wednesday. PLEASE be careful with your dogs outside!
I took our little dog out with us for some errands the next day. How did I prep for him to be safe and comfortable during these trips?
🐾 Never left him in the car alone or without a/c. Not even for 2 minutes with a window rolled down. It’s still too hot!
🐾 He only spent a few minutes outside, from the car to the store, where he’d be in the direct sun at the hottest time of the time. We went to hardware stores that allow pets.
🐾 Parking lot surfaces are hot as the sun. Yes, dogs’ feet have thicker layers but it still burns 🔥. Before I let him touch the ground, I put my hand (palm and back of my hand) on the ground to feel the temperature. When it was hot to my hand, his little paws didn’t touch the ground. I carried him (easy to do with a 13lb dog 😜) either directly into the store or to a shaded grassy or mulched area to do his business.
🐾 We brought plenty of extra water and a bowl for him. We offered him water inside the stores plus before and after leaving the stores. You never know when they’ll want to drink (and you can’t force them no matter how many times you tell them to). Just because they didn’t take a drink right away, doesn’t mean they wont need it 10 minutes later. Dont wait 2 hours. Keep offering water at regular intervals until they get a good drink and then you can back off some. Haven’t you ever not needed a glass of water but then 20 minutes later after being in the heat, downed like half a water bottle?
🐾 Pay attention to your dog. Panting can be from heat, stress, pain, etc. They are telling you something. Listen.
Our little dude had a great time socializing and meeting new people at the stores. There is a safe way to have your dogs with you during the summer. ☀️
If you suspect your dog overheated, please seek veterinary care immediately. This is a life threatening emergency!
