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Dog of the Day: Theo!
Meme of the day: All day, every day!
Whoa That Weather! Keeping Pups Safe
As much as we love the thrill of seasonal changes, extreme weather—whether it’s sweltering heat, freezing cold, tornadoes, hurricanes, or everything in between—can pose serious risks to our furry companions. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from the effects of harsh weather, so it’s important to know how to keep them safe, healthy, and comfortable when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Our editor is based in the Midwest, and this week has been wild weather. Temperatures have jumped from the 30s to the 60s, and severe storms are on the horizon. So, we thought it would be a good opportunity to go over general weather tips.
Stay Hydrated During Hot Weather
Summer heat can be dangerous for dogs, especially those with short noses, thick coats, or certain health conditions. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water. Dehydration can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
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Keep Water Handy: When you’re out on walks or at the park, carry a portable water bowl and offer it to your dog frequently.
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Avoid Peak Heat: Try to walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Pavement and asphalt can get incredibly hot during the day, potentially burning your dog’s paws.
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Provide Shade and Cool Spots: Make sure your dog has a shaded area to rest in and try using cooling mats to help regulate body temperature.
Protect Your Dog’s Paws from the Heat
The hot summer pavement can easily burn your dog’s sensitive paw pads. Even if it feels fine to you, it might be too hot for your pup. Here are a few ways to protect their paws:
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Paw Balm: Apply a pet-safe paw balm before walks to protect the paw pads from burns and cracks.
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Booties: If your dog tolerates them, dog boots can be a great solution for protecting its paws from hot surfaces.
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Avoid Hot Surfaces: Test the ground with your hand when walking your dog. If it feels too hot for you, it’s likely too hot for them as well.
Avoid Overexertion in the Heat
Some dogs, especially high-energy breeds, can get carried away and overexert themselves in the heat. This can lead to heatstroke, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
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Limit Playtime: In extreme heat, limit your dog’s time spent running or playing outside. Encourage indoor games like tug-of-war or fetch to keep them entertained.
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Watch for Signs of Heatstroke: Symptoms like heavy panting, drooling, weakness, confusion, and vomiting can indicate heatstroke. If you notice these signs, move your dog to a cool area, offer them water, and seek veterinary help immediately.
Create a Safe, Comfortable Space Indoors
Whether it’s summer or winter, extreme weather conditions can make being outside dangerous for your dog. If the weather is too harsh, make sure your dog has a warm or cool indoor space to retreat to.
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Summer: If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans or cooling pads to help your dog stay cool. Keep windows open for ventilation, but be cautious about your dog’s risk of jumping out or being exposed to direct sunlight.
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Winter: Provide a cozy bed or blanket for your dog to snuggle up in. If your home gets very cold, consider investing in a heated dog bed for extra warmth.
Never Leave Your Dog in the Car
No matter how hot or cold it is, never leave your dog alone in the car. Even on cooler days, the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise or fall to dangerous levels, leading to heatstroke or hypothermia.
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Plan Ahead: If you need to run errands, leave your dog at home where they’ll be safe and comfortable.
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Air Conditioning: On warmer days, if you need to bring your dog, ensure the air conditioning is running while the car is parked, and never leave them in the vehicle for extended periods.
Tornado Safety for Dogs
Tornadoes can strike with little warning, making it crucial to have a plan in place for your dog’s safety. If a tornado watch is issued, bring your dog inside immediately and keep them close. Identify a safe shelter in your home, such as a basement or an interior room without windows, where you and your pet can take cover. Keep an emergency kit on hand with essentials like food, water, medications, and a leash or carrier.
Make sure your dog is microchipped or wearing an ID tag in case you get separated. During the storm, like a favorite toy, keep your dog calm with gentle reassurance and distractions. After the tornado passes, be cautious of debris, downed power lines, and sharp objects when taking your dog outside.
Hurricane Safety for Dogs
Hurricanes bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can be extremely dangerous for pets. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, prepare an evacuation plan that includes your dog. Locate pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance, and always bring an emergency kit stocked with food, water, medications, vaccination records, and comfort items.
If you are sheltering in place, move to an interior room on a high floor away from windows and flood-prone areas. Keep your dog leashed or in a secure crate to prevent them from running away in fear. After the storm, check the area for hazards like contaminated water, fallen debris, or displaced wildlife before letting your dog roam freely. Planning ahead ensures that both you and your furry companion stay safe during a hurricane.
Keep an Eye on Weather Alerts
Monitoring weather reports for severe conditions, such as heat waves, storms, or extreme cold, is always a good idea. Being prepared can make all the difference in keeping your dog safe.
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Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and your dog’s favorite toys. This is especially important in case you need to evacuate or if you’re caught in a storm.
Consult Your Vet
Consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s ability to cope with extreme weather. They can provide advice on breed-specific needs, any special precautions for elderly or ill dogs, and the best products to help protect your dog from the elements.
We Can’t Be Fair Weather Pup Parents
Extreme weather can be dangerous for our furry friends, but with extra care and attention, you can help ensure your dog stays safe and comfortable. Always pay close attention to the signs of distress, adjust your routines as needed, and trust your instincts as a pet parent. Keeping your dog safe in extreme weather is about being prepared and proactive, so you both can enjoy the seasons with peace of mind!
Vet bills won’t break the bank if you have the right insurance
Surprise vet bills can certainly bite. But fear not, pet insurance can be your lifeline. Some plans cover major surgeries — which can cost up to $7,000 — so you can afford the best care for your pet. Check out our top-rated pet insurance providers, with some plans offering coverage for just $1 a day, multi-pet coverage, and reimbursement options of up to 90%. With the right coverage, you could keep your pet (and your wallet) happy.
Family Photo of the Day: Sparkie!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG theo_dorabledoodle
Meme of the day: IG kelsiethegsd