Keeping Your Four-Legged Friends Safe in Hot Summer Weather

Summer time is a great time for outside activities and get-togethers. Cookouts, swimming, and other outdoor events are fun for the whole family. Don't forget to take precautions to keep your four-legged friends safe during the hot, humid summer weather. Dogs can easily overheat. Be sure to follow these simple tips to keep your dogs safe:

• Fresh, Clean Water. Be sure your pets have a good supply of fresh, clean water, especially when they are outside. Dehydration happens quickly.
• Shade. Make sure dogs have a shaded area to relax in during the heat of the day.
• Watch for problems. If your pet begins panting more than usual, shows difficulty breathing, has an increased heart rate, drooling or seems disoriented in the heat, take action immediately. Move your dog to a cooler location and use a fan to circulate air. Offer them water, but do not force it. If the dog does not improve, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
• Never leave pets alone in a vehicle, even with cracked windows or in shaded spots. Temperatures can quickly read dangerous levels, causing heat stroke or even death. 
• Animals with shorter snouts, such as pugs and bulldogs, are more likely to have issues dealing with high temperatures. Keep these animals in a cooler environment.
• Be careful about allowing your dog to walk on hot asphalt or concrete. These surfaces can be scorching hot in the summer and can cause severe burns to dogs' feet and can cause the dog to overheat. Try to walk your dog in the cooler morning or evening temperatures.
• Let your dog enjoy a swim or run through a sprinkler during hot days.