Summer Safety!

It may have been a warm summer day, but thanks to lots of shade, the setting sun, a fan, cooling mat, ice, and water, Hector got to watch a fun softball game safely and happily!

Before you bring Fido to that softball game, festival, picnic, or other outdoor event this summer, here are some things you should ask yourself first….

 
1. How hot is it going to be and how humid?
The temperature is only part of the equation, the humidity also plays a role in whether it is too hot to safely be outside.  Much of a dog’s cooling system relies on evaporation and when the air is saturated with moisture on humid days, they can’t cool as efficiently.  You also have to know your dog’s personal heat tolerance and/or their breed’s/type’s tolerance of heat.  Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs and densely coated dogs, for example, don’t tend to tolerate heat as well. 
2. What is the ground like at the event?  Is it asphalt, concrete, grass?
Although paw pads are rough and seemingly thick, asphalt and concrete can definitely get hot enough to badly burn them so you want to avoid places/events that are on sidewalks, parking lots, paved roads, etc.
3. Is there ample shade?
Access to shade is a really important factor!  88° in the shade is drastically different than 88° in the sun to just sit around in at ball game or picnic.  Shade also keeps the ground cooler for walking safely on pavement. Reliable access to shade is important for your dog’s safety in the heat!
4. Does my dog really want to go?

Is this an event my dog will enjoy or am I just bringing him/her for my enjoyment?  If your dog isn’t going to love the trip, leave him/her at home! Dogs who are stressed already have an increased heart rate and can be more prone to overheating.
5. Is it going to be physically exerting?

If the event involves sitting in the shade for an hour, it is far less worrisome than if it is an hour long hike.  Even just casual walking can be problematic for dogs on very hot days. 
6. Am I able to leave early if my dog needs to?

There is always the possibility when out and about with a dog that you may need to abruptly leave if your dog is starting to show signs of distress–either overheating or getting stressed, or what not.  If it’s an event you cannot easily pick up and leave before the end, it is best you leave your pup at home!
 

Odin, Toby, and Oswin enjoy a lunch on a patio! All three dogs are comfortable in this environment and have what they need to stay safe.

 So… you’ve thought about all of those things and you feel it is safe and your dog will enjoy it, here’s what you need to bring on your warm weather adventure…

 
1. Plenty of cold water and a bowl to pour it in!  
Staying hydrated will help your dog regulating their temperature and will prevent dehydration.  We really suggest ice water in a 32oz or larger insulated water bottle to keep the water nice and cold in the heat.
2. Cooling mat!  

These mats create a cool spot for your dog to lay even if it’s very hot and can help them stay cool. If they are laying on something cool, it will really help their body temperature stay lower.
3. Battery operated fan!  

For events where you will be more stationary, a fan can be a big help keeping your pup cool with a continual breeze (especially if you strategically wet them down and then put the fan on them in the shade).  If you blow the fan across your bowl of ice water on to your dog, it is like a mini air conditioner blowing cool air.
4. Cooling coat!  

Now, there are a lot of cooling coats available that use different methods for cooling.  On average, the ‘swamp cooler’ coats (or those that utilize water and evaporation to cool) perform better in environments with low humidity (dry air).  Reflective coats like the Chilly Buddy work well in humid or dry environments by reflecting the sun away from the dog. There are also coats/vests that have pockets for chilled packs to rest against the dog (like ice packs but not frozen solid).
5. Spray bottle with water (handheld spray bottle or a garden style spray bottle for even more cooling)!  

Strategically wetting down certain areas on your pup can help them cool down more effectively using both evaporation and vasodilation.  Wetting a dog’s belly/groin (inner thighs were lots of blood vessels are near the surface), their paw pads, their armpits, and their ear flaps (if not super furry).  These areas all have blood vessels that are close to the surface where the blood can cool and be aided in cooling through evaporation.
6. A commitment to leaving earlier than you would like if your dog starts to get too hot or the environment wasn’t what you were expecting (no shade, or more asphalt, or warmer than expected).


**Optional items: booties your dog has been trained to wear to make walking on warm ground safer, doggie sunscreen for dogs who are hairless or are prone to sunburn, a sunshade or umbrella to create your own shade, or a folding cot to keep your pup off the ground and allow for air circulation to keep them cooler.