Summer Safety Tips for Your Pets: Keeping Them Cool and Happy

Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Heat

Summer is here! We are all excited to bask in the sunshine. However, our dogs might not share the same enthusiasm when temperatures rise. At All Around Adventures, we prioritize safety. When it gets too warm, we reduce walk times and enjoy indoor play. Your pet's well-being is our top priority. We want to avoid burned paws on hot sidewalks, overheating, and dehydration.

Understanding how to keep your dog comfortable in the heat is crucial. Each dog has different needs. Dogs with shorter noses, older pups, or fluffy friends may struggle more than smaller, short-haired dogs. We also take care of our walkers. They spend all day outside, too. We may shorten walks or alternate between outdoor and indoor fun. Rest breaks in the shade are essential!

How to Determine When to Shorten Walks

So, how do we decide when to shorten a walk? We monitor the temperature closely. When the thermometer hits 90°F, we know it's time to limit outdoor activities. We usually recommend a maximum of 15 minutes outside. After that, we focus on indoor playtime or shaded breaks.

Your dog will still expend energy, enjoy social time, and take care of their bathroom needs. If the temperature is below 90°F but your pet is excessively panting or refusing to walk, we respect their limits. We'll let them lead us back home. We know your dogs well and if anything seems off, we'll make sure they cool down and get plenty of water.

Older dogs, short-nosed breeds, and fluffy friends often struggle with temperatures above 80°F. If there's shade, a breeze, and frequent breaks, we can continue our walk happily!

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Stroke

It's vital to know the signs of heat stroke in dogs. Keep an eye out for:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing

• Rapid heart rate

• Drooling or thick saliva

• Bright red or pale gums

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Weakness, lethargy, or collapse

• Confusion or disorientation

• Seizures

• Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)

  
  

If you suspect your pet is overheating, take immediate action. Cool them with a fan in a shaded room. Provide fresh water, but avoid ice cubes or placing ice directly on their skin. If possible, let them enjoy a cool bath. While cooling them down, consider bringing them to the veterinarian for further evaluation.

If you have specific requests on hot days, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to accommodate your needs and ensure your pets are safe.

Fun and Cool Summer Games for Dogs

Looking for ways to keep your dog busy and cool this summer? Try these fun activities:

1. Peanut Butter Pool Party

Take all-natural peanut butter and spread it inside a metal bowl. Attach some banana pieces and treats. Let the bowl float in a kiddie pool. Your pup can enjoy splashing around while indulging in their favorite snack!

2. Frozen Carrot Popsicle

Take a large carrot and place it in the freezer until frozen. Once ready, let your dog tear it apart outside. This creates a fun popsicle toy that also cools them down!

3. Kong Ice Cream

Fill a Kong ball with wet food, treats, and snacks. Freeze it, then give it to your dog as a frozen delight. It's essentially Kong ice cream to help them cool off in the heat!

Have any other fun summertime cool-down activities? Share them in the comments!

Happy Summer, Missoula!