Dogs have higher "normal" body temperature than humans to begin with, (100.5° - 102.5°).


Add to that: fur, not sweating, and communication challenges, the summer heat can be a recipe for disaster for our sweet pups!


Essentially, heatstroke is extreme overheating that can have dangerous consequences.


Increased body temp of 103° - 104° signals probable heat exhaustion.


A body temp of 105° - 109° indicates heat stroke, and requires immediate action, and probable veterinary intervention.


Flat-faced dogs, (pugs, frenchies, bulldogs), are especially at risk due to their limited nasal cavity real estate. 


🐽 There are a few reasons why these dogs have breathing difficulties:

These pups can have one helluva time breathing in nothing to write home about, comfortable weather; increased heat and/or humidity can be deadly.


👉 There are quite a few signs/symptoms of heatstroke, and you should be on the lookout for them all:

Your dog will need to be checked out by a veterinarian, but you should try to cool them down immediately.

Here are some tips on helping to lower your pup's body temp, safely:

1) Move your dog to a cooler area, and out of direct sunlight.

2) Place your dog ON TOP of cool, wet towels.                                                                   ↪ DO NOT COVER THE DOG WITH TOWELS!!

3) Set up the dog in front of a fan.

4) Massage your dog's legs as vigorously as they will tolerate - it helps to get the circulation moving, whilst reducing risk of shock.

5) Apply cool or tepid water to the paw pads, chest, underarms, groin, and ear flaps

6) If your dog will drink, only allow them to take small drinks of coolish water.

Summer brings two main skin woes... sunburn and bugs!


SUNBURN:

Contrary to the belief of some, dogs are absolutely able to get sunburn!

Even just 30 minutes of being in the sun, without sun protection can cause problems.

You can either use a zinc-free sunscreen that is formulated for infants, OR you can get a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for dogs.

Sunscreen should be applied to anywhere your dog's fur is thin, or non-existent, (ears, head/forehead, nose, belly).

Also, if your pup has white fur, they are especially prone to getting sunburned, so apply sun protection more often, and more liberally for these pups.



BUGS:

This is my #1, most hated thing about summer.

I hate, hate, double hate, bugs; they are annoying and make it hard to enjoy the outdoors.

Our pups can be bitten/stung, just as we can, not to mention the potential health risks of being feasted on by certain pests, (fleas & ticks).

So, how do we help keep our dogs from being an all-you-can-eat buffet to these summertime devils?

      ↪ Know the environment where you & your pup will be hanging out; this allows you             to be as prepared as possible.

      ↪ Use a bug repellent that is safe for puppos.
       
          1) Avoid products containing toxic ingredients such as propylene glycol and DEET.

          2) Look for options that contain all-natural, plant-derived ingredients, such as                     essential oils. (Quality matters BIG TIME with essential oils, so choose wisely.)                 
             ** I have two FANTASTIC options that work like gangbusters for me, my family,                  and our dogs. **

             ⇨ Shoot me an email at patti@rebelpawspetcare.com to get the details on what                    products I prefer, use, and recommend.  
  

Whether it's a kiddie pool, creek, hose, sprinklers, swimming pool, lake, or whatever - water play can be a super fun part of summer for many dogs and their families.

BUT, there are some precautions and safety measures you should take if your dog participates in water play...


1) NEVER force a dog into a pool, or any body of water!!

Not only is this extremely dangerous, but it is a dick move.
   
Don't be a dick.


2) ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS supervise your dog while participating in water play. In this instance, your dog is akin to an unsupervised toddler - they need constant, and close monitoring so they don't do something ridiculously stupid, (read - dangerous).


3) After a romp in a pool creek, lake, etc, hose your pup down to rinse off any chlorine, algae, or chemicals that may have hitched a ride on your pups skin/fur.

Not doing so can result in a range of things, from itchy & slightly irritated, to significant burns/damage.

Rule of thumb:

When they get OUT, rinse them OFF!


4) The use of lifejackets, no matter your pup's swimming ability, is always a grand idea.

For the brand new swimmers, this allows them to learn and acclimate, safely.

For the old pros -
IDK about you, but regardless of the activity, my dogs tend to go balls to the wall until they drop.

If this should this happen whilst they are swimming, and they are NOT wearing a lifejacket... it can turn deadly.

Personally, I am unwilling to risk my dog's life by betting that they have the wherewithal to know when they should get out of the pool, or any other body of water.


5) Be mindful of how much water your pup ingests.

Water intoxication can occur when a dog takes in an excessive amount of water, which causes an electrolyte imbalance. This imbalance can cause disturbances in brain function, and can result in brain damage, heart failure, and even death.


SIGNS OF H2O INTOXICATION:

⇨ Lack of coordination
⇨ Vomiting
⇨ Dilated pupils
⇨ Pale gums

If you notice ANY of these symptoms, or any other abnormal behavior or physical changes, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Picture this...

Who doesn't love the food, drink, and snacks that accompany warm sunny days??

I 100% love me all the summer noms and bevvies, however, many of the things we love to consume, are terribly dangerous for our pups!

Summer brings an increase in social gatherings. 

For our dogs, these social gatherings are solid freaking gold.

See, summertime cooking & eating are pretty messy, and our dogs look forward to cleaning up behind their messy AF humans. 

I can almost picture them starting to salivate like a MFr when the grill gets it. Can you?

BUT - gobbling down the fallen scraps of food, or licking up grill drippings, is likely gonna wreak havoc on your pup's tummy; at a minimum!!!

Two summer faves that can be deadly to dogs are:

corn on the cob
alcohol

I guess what I am trying to say is that you should exercise extreme caution if your dog joins you at a picnic/BBQ.

It is A-OK to tell people to not give your dog something, (scraps of food etc).

It is A-OK to ask people to clean up messes they made, ASAP.

It is A-OK to leave your dog home, where they are safe from other people's carelessness!


Besides, isn't the health & safety of your dog FAR more important than any shit you may catch from others for leaving them at home?

⇢ Your dog having unlimited access to fresh drinking water is non-negotiable!

⇢ Be very careful when roasting marshmallows, (or anythig really), on a stick, with your dog present. Many dogs LOVE sticks, and may attempt to snatch it from you, flaming food and all.

⇢ If you are someone who chooses to set off fireworks, keep your dog safely indoors.

   1) Many dogs are terrified of fireworks.
   2) Some fireworks look like sticks, and may be tempting for your dog to chase/grab.

⇢ Keep your dog off lawns that have been chemically treated, for AT LEAST 24 hours after application.

⇢  Freeze a big bowl of water and place treats, toys, or chunks of dog-safe fruits/veggies, in it. Once frozen, place outside on a tray or something like that, and watch your pup have SO.MUCH.FUN!
 
      **Don't know what foods are safe for your pup? Go grab my DOGGO GUIDE TO HUMAN FOODS**