(Burrowing in the cool grass.)
Hi all, Lily the Corgi here. I hope everyone is having an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
I am a fan of Memorial Day because it marks the unofficial start of the summer season. For me that means I'll get to go to the lake, play outside with my human family members, and spend time resting under the shade trees. Summer also means opportunity--opportunity to grab the random hot dog dropped from the grill, to steal a lick of children's ice cream cones, and to cool my tummy on the nice floor tiles. Unfortunately, summer comes with risks for dogs, too. Let's take a look at some of the pitfalls facing canines this summer, shall we?
We live in Arkansas where it gets really hot and really humid, a double whammy that makes everyone sticky and cranky and sweaty. Well, not actually everyone because dogs don't actually sweat. Sweating is a way some critters (including humans) use the evaporation of moisture to cool off, but dogs don't have the ability to sweat. Instead of sweating, we pant. When you see a dog sitting around with his/her tongue hanging out, this is the canine equivalent of sweating. Plus, it makes us look oh so cute!
(Playin' and pantin')
We dogs will forget ourselves and do way too much strenuous activity in the heat of the day unless our humans remain observant and make us take a break now and then. Just like humans, we dogs can get so overheated that we can have heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Make sure all dogs have shade when they are outside. If you see your dog digging holes during the summer, try to be a little understanding; dogs will often dig into the dirt to find a cool spot to rest. And of course, like you, your dog can cool off best inside where there is air conditioning.
It is always important that dogs have plenty of clean fresh water to drink, but especially so in the summer. Keep in mind that the nice bowl of water you put on the porch can quickly end up way too hot when the movement of the sun takes away the shade. Even hot water is probably better than no water, but who wants to drink hot water? At our house, one of the water difficulties is slobber. When hot and panting dogs drink, they can leave some nasty slobber behind! Don't forget to switch out the water when it gets icky and wash the water bowl from time to time. We appreciate it!
Dogs don't put behind the need for exercise in the summer months but getting adequate exercise when it is super hot out can be difficult. Most of us rely on our walks for exercise, but taking walks in the summer presents problems. Obviously the act of walking in the heat can wear us out and make us pant, but one very real hazard for summer dog walking has to do with our feet. Things like asphalt, rocks, concrete, and even wood decks can get super hot on our little delicate foot pads. We don't often wear shoes, so stop and think how the walking surface might feel on doggy feet. Experts recommend that humans place their own hand on the walking surface before setting out--if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for our feet!
Many dogs enjoy having a small wading pool to romp in while others enjoy running through a sprinkler. My siblings and I are more lake dogs. While most dogs are great swimmers, there are some breeds which find it very difficult if not impossible to swim. Old and arthritic dogs like my grouchy husky brother Claude may also have trouble swimming. Be aware of your dogs' swimming abilities. When you are going to be out on or near the water, you should watch your dogs as you would small children; consider a flotation device for your canines. Any dog riding in a boat should have a life jacket!
(We love the little lake at the dog park...perfect for wading with family and friends.)
I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm going to mention it again: Never, ever, ever leave your dog in a parked car. A car is like an oven and can get MUCH hotter than the ambient air temperature. Leaving a window cracked open to let in air is just not enough when your pet's safety is concerned. Even if you are just leaving the car for a minute and even if you leave the car running, you are putting your canine friend at risk. (In a town where we formerly lived, a police K9 died in the police cruiser when the engine died and the air conditioner shut off.) Take your dog with you or leave us at home where we can be safe and comfy. My mama says to let everyone know if you leave a dog in a hot car, you should expect to find your window smashed and your dog missing when you return!
Finally, lets talk parasites. While fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are not respecters of the seasons, they do tend to be more bothersome in the warmer months. Be sure your dog is on a good flea/tick preventative in preparation for summer. Keep standing water to a minimum around your yard to avoid creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Summer is a great time of year and I like it a lot. There are so many interesting things to sniff during the summer! I also enjoy being comfortable, though! Good thing I have mama and daddy well trained in the art of corgi comfort ;)
Til next time, stay cool everyone!
Love ya,
Lily the Corgi
(Napping--one of my favorite summer activities.)
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