Laura Walenceus
All About Animals
With the recent high temperatures, many pet owners are left with some serious difficulties. How do I expend my dog’s excess energy without leaving us both feeling sick and miserable? With some creativity and dedication, you can transform these dog days of summer into a time filled with special memories with your furry friend.
Walks should continue. There are few viable substitutes for outdoor exercise and stimulation for your dog, and none of them will last all summer. What should change might be the frequency, duration, and timing of these walks. Early mornings and evenings are the obvious choice for beating the heat, but do not discount the power of frequent small walks. Instead of a long hour walk once a day, consider a 30-minute morning walk in the early cool, and two other 10-minute short walks in the afternoon or evening. With a combination of these solutions, most pet parents should be able to power through to the cooler months.
Should my dog play in the water during the heat? Water play can be a great way to cool down and it can replace the longer walk time if it is high energy and playful. Bear in mind a few things. Not all dogs swim well, so if your pet is in a lake or river, monitor them closely as you would a child and consider purchasing a well-fitted life vest. Natural water sources can pose a threat to your dog’s gut health as well, if they drink while swimming. Be sure the water source is clean and safe to play in by checking with the park authorities. The management of a state park or city park should be able to help. Because of this risk, I usually invest in a cheap wading pool for the backyard and resort to spraying my dogs with a hose while they wade and sip. Remember that heatstroke can still occur, even in water play.
If you are considering braving the heat with your faithful companion, know the signs for canine heatstroke so you can protect yourself and your pet. If your dog is panting heavily and this does not improve with a break from exercise, is drooling intensely, or if they seem tired and uninterested in walking or playing more, you should pause your activity. Move the dog to a cool location and offer water in repeated small quantities. If they return to normal, feel free to head home and take it easy for the rest of the day. If your dog gets worse you might notice them become disoriented or wobbly on their feet, have periods of extreme weakness, or begin to experience diarrhea and vomiting. If this occurs, you should proceed immediately to the veterinarian. If left untreated, heatstroke can lead to seizures or even death. Know the signs and respond early.
Looking for some indoor ways to relieve some heat and keep your dog busy? Here are some suggestions. Lick mats, puzzle treat dispensers, and other frozen treats make wonderful replacements for the old standby of animal bones and rawhide. Pinterest and other sites are filled with suggestions of recipes to please your pups and stimulate their senses. My suggestions always include whole fat Greek yogurt and peanut butter, as these freeze well and can allow you to serve less food that lasts longer. My dogs have always enjoyed bobbing for ice cubes in their water dish on hot days where the AC is struggling to keep up. Drop a couple of cubes in the dish, and watch your dog blow bubbles and chase. You may want to put a towel under the dish, though. I would encourage you to consider soaking your dog’s food in water for a few hours in the fridge. This can increase their hydration at mealtimes and cool them down, which is especially helpful if your pet is elderly or a little dehydrated.
With these suggestions, consider yourself armed with the tools to make your fun wherever you can. Also, your dog said it is time to play.
