Stay Cool in T-Shirts But Don’t Forget Your Dog!

Monday 11th of July 2011 08:37:14 PM

Stay Cool in T-Shirts But Don’t Forget Your Dog!

In the summer, you can stay as cool as you want by wearing loose fitting cotton t-shirts. You’ll find men, women, children, toddlers and infants beating the heat on unseasonably warm days or while on holiday by wearing tees and shorts, or simple t-shirts and skirts and lightweight trousers. Unfortunately, each year there are always stories about pets who suffer in the heat simply because their owners forget that dogs can’t exchange their fur coats for t-shirts.

This is the equivalent of a public service announcement because it’s a reminder that you must pay attention to the comfort of your pets when the hot weather hits.

Do you know how to recognize a dog that’s overheating? The dog will begin to pant and drool excessively. Other signs include rapid breathing and having difficulty maintaining balance. At first the gums and tongue will turn bright red, but they will eventually turn white or blue. If the dog continues to overheat, it will have a difficult time breathing and eventually refuse to move. Once the dog goes into shock, death is near.

When traveling with a dog in warm weather you will want to make sure the dog is not left in a vehicle while you go shopping or sightseeing. The temperature of the inside of the car can rise rapidly even when you leave windows partially open. This is true whether you are making a quick trip to the local shop or going on holiday. A dog needs lots of fresh water for longer trips. You can carry a spray bottle with cool water in it and put sunscreen on the dog’s nose or other sensitive exposed areas. For emergencies, carry some ice in an ice chest or freeze water bottles. When you take your dog walking, be aware that the tender pads paws can be burned on hot pavements.

Hot weather can cause strokes in humans and dogs. We can take many steps to protect ourselves including wearing white t-shirts that reflect heat. Your dog doesn’t have that luxury so remember to make sure your pet is kept safe no matter what the temperature may soar to.