Summer is a delightful season for our beloved pets too! It’s a time when they can join us outdoors and relish everything this season brings. While there’s nothing wrong with taking your pet on picnics, hikes, swims, or runs, it’s important to remember that warm weather can pose risks. Pets struggle to stay calm when the sun’s rays are intense, and unlike humans, they don’t sweat to regulate their body temperature. While dogs sweat to some extent, it’s insufficient to effectively cool them down. As you may already know, dogs primarily cool themselves through panting. However, when the air is scorching hot, it becomes challenging for them to maintain a cool body temperature. Continue reading to discover essential safety tips for keeping your dogs safe during summer.
How To Keep Dogs Cool In Toronto Summer?
We have identified several common risks that dogs face during the summer season in Toronto, including:
- Overheating
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Heatstroke
In brief, dogs do not sweat like humans, making them susceptible to overheating. To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for you and your furry companion in Toronto, it’s essential to remember the following tips.
Provide Ample Water and Shade
During the summer, dehydration is a genuine concern for dogs and cats. When they become hot, our furry friends can get significantly thirstier than we do. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive drooling. Ensure that your dog always has access to fresh and clean water indoors. When venturing outside in Toronto, remember to bring a water bottle for your four-legged companion, just as you would for yourself.
Additionally, consider incorporating wet dog food into their diet during the hotter months to boost their fluid intake. It’s crucial to keep your dog in the shade as much as possible. While dogs and cats may enjoy sunbathing, direct sunlight can cause overheating, particularly in dogs, and increase the risk of heatstroke.
Recognize the Warning
Signs Have you ever wondered about the appropriate temperature for cats or how hot it is too hot to walk dogs? Understanding the temperature thresholds that dogs and cats can tolerate is essential for their well-being. A dog’s normal temperature typically falls between 100°F and 103°F, whereas cats generally range from 100.4ºF to 102.5ºF. If their body temperature surpasses these ranges, it indicates that your dog is in danger. Now, let’s address the sweating question. Dogs and cats do not sweat like humans do. Instead, they rely on water and panting to regulate their body temperature.
Keep a vigilant eye out for the following potential symptoms of overheating:
- Heavy panting
- Dry or bright red gums
- Thick drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unsteady or wobbly legs.
If your dog exhibits heat exhaustion, promptly move them to a cool area, offer them water, place a damp towel over their body, and seek immediate veterinary assistance. Avoid immersing your dog in cold water, as it can induce shock.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended in a Car
Many dogs enjoy car rides. Still, they certainly wouldn’t appreciate being trapped inside a sweltering car in a parking lot in Toronto, where temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees. You might believe that leaving your dog alone in a car for a few minutes is harmless, but it takes less than 10 minutes for them to develop heatstroke in such conditions. It is best to avoid leaving your dog in a car altogether, if possible. However, if you must step out of the car, ensure that the air conditioning is running and the dog remains inside. Leaving dogs unattended in cars poses a grave danger to their well-being.
Consequently, it is advisable to take your dog with you or leave them home, where they will be safe and comfortable. Take immediate action if you encounter a dog left alone in a car under hazardous circumstances. Attempt to locate the owner promptly or, if necessary, contact the police for assistance.
Apply Sunscreen to Your Dog
Surprisingly, dogs can also experience sunburn, especially those with short or light hair coats. Just like in humans, sunburn can be painful for dogs and may even lead to skin cancer. If you’re planning a day outdoors with your furry companion in Toronto, applying sunscreen to the least hair-covered areas, such as their bellies, ears, and nose, is essential. Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours for optimal protection. Make sure to use sunscreens specifically formulated for dogs. Regular sunscreen meant for human use may contain components, like zinc, that can be toxic to animals if ingested. It could potentially lead to an emergency. Consult with your veterinarian in Toronto to determine the most suitable sunscreen product for your furry friend’s needs. They can provide guidance and recommend a safe and effective option for your dog.
Avoid Shaving Your Dog
It may seem logical to shave your dog or cat during summer to prevent overheating. However, it’s important to note that a dog’s coat is naturally designed to regulate its body temperature, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Instead of shaving your dog, consider trimming their fur to a manageable length. Ensure you leave at least an inch of hair to protect your skin from sunburn. Remember to adhere to your dog’s regular grooming routine, regardless of the season.
Be Mindful of Walking Hours
When you have a dog in Toronto, schedule your walks and exercise sessions during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Walking your dog in the middle of the day when the temperatures are at their highest is never advisable. While outdoors, take regular breaks in shaded areas and ensure water is readily available for your furry companion.
Keep Your Dog’s Paws Cool
Dogs regulate their body temperature from the bottom up. Therefore, when you’re out in the sun with your dog in Toronto, it’s important to prevent them from walking on hot surfaces like cement and asphalt. These surfaces can burn their paws and elevate their body temperature, potentially leading to overheating. Additionally, having your dog ride in the back of a truck is unsafe, as the hot metal can quickly burn their paws. Pay special attention to their feet and stomach when spraying your dog with water to cool them down. It will help expedite the cooling process. If you’re using a wet towel, focus on rubbing their paws and stomach rather than their top coat. If walking your dog during the cooler hours of the day is not feasible, consider using doggy boots to protect your paws from hot surfaces.
Protect Your Pet from Parasites
During the summer in Toronto, parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are abundant and pose a risk to your pet’s health. These pests can transmit tapeworms, heartworms, Lyme disease, and Bartonella. It is crucial to consult your veterinarian in Toronto to obtain suitable medical prescriptions to keep your beloved dog or cat free from these parasites. Following your vet’s recommendations, you can help ensure your furry friend remains protected and healthy throughout the summer.
Sum Up
When providing optimal care for our cherished, it’s natural to initially feel overwhelmed and apprehensive. The fear of not knowing what to do in an emergency or the regret of not taking preventive measures can be daunting. Fortunately, some veterinary clinics like Parliament Animal Hospital offer various services to assist dog owners in ensuring their pet’s safety and well-being during the summer season. The Dog Emergency Fund by Parliament Animal Hospital is one such comprehensive service that provides peace of mind and enhanced security for your canine companion. With this program, you can rest assured that you have the necessary support and resources to address any unforeseen medical emergencies that may arise for your furry family member.
Frequentky Asked Questions
What temperature is too hot for dogs?
Dogs can be susceptible to overheating when the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). However, the tolerance for heat can vary depending on the breed and individual health of the dog.
Do dogs hate hot weather?
Dogs are more sensitive to heat than humans due to their limited ability to cool down. While some dogs may enjoy warm weather to an extent, extreme heat can be uncomfortable and dangerous for them.
How can I keep my dog safe in the Toronto summer?
Provide ample shade and fresh water, avoid leaving your dog unattended in a vehicle, be mindful of walking hours and hot surfaces, apply pet-safe sunscreen, protect them from parasites, consider using a life vest near water, ensure their safety during fireworks, and seek veterinary care if needed.
