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Keep Your Pup Hydrated During the Dog Days of Summer

brown and white Australian Shepherd running toward camera in the sandPhoto by Joséphine Menge on Unsplash

Dogs do not sweat through their skin to control the temperature of the body unlike humans. Rather, a dog’s breathing controls their temperature. Their nasal cavities, tongues, and lungs’ linings all lose humidity as they pant. As a result, the air circulates through their body and cools them down.

As their body normally regulates their temperature through panting, there are activities you should do to help keep your pup hydrated during the days of summer.

Your dog may become more active in the summer due to the warmer weather. Yet, warmer temperatures and more intense exercise can also make your pet lose more bodily fluid, increasing the likelihood of dehydration in dogs. That’s risky since it may result in organ damage or even death. But by taking a few easy actions, you can ensure that your dog is well hydrated and you both get to embrace the summer heat!

 

Ways to keep your pup hydrated:

 

Use the mornings or afternoons to play or work out

Try to encourage them to play and exercise before it becomes too hot outside as often as possible, even if your schedule doesn’t always allow it. This could require you to get up earlier than usual to escape the heat, but you and your pup will be grateful you did. On hot, muggy days, refrain from playing and exercising between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

 

Throughout exercise or play, they should drink little amounts of water

Always remember to have water with you whether playing or working out. So that their tummy has time to process it and they do not overdo it, offer them a modest quantity every 10 to 15 minutes. Drinking to excess can cause swelling and even water intoxication, where the body’s salt reserves are exhausted. Always remember that a dog’s size, for example a labradoodle’s actual size, determines the water he or she may need to stay hydrated in the hot summer days.

 

Watch how much water they drink

Your pup requires a particular quantity of water every day, just as you do. Moisture condenses their vital electrolytes in enough supply, allowing for normal metabolism, bowel movements, and oxygenation. Water also encourages a steady cardiovascular system and assists your puppy’s organs in eliminating pollutants from their circulation.

More water will be required the more energetic they are or the hotter the weather. Most dogs require three to four times as much water as usual in hot weather. One oz of water for every kilogram they weigh is a good rule of thumb.

 

Switch to wet food in summer

The warmer months necessitate a shift in nutrition. Wet packaged food is another adjustment that could be advantageous to your dog since it provides them with another supply of water. Puppies require more fluids and meals that are simpler to digest. To cool them off on a hot day, you may also give them cucumbers and watermelons (without the seeds).

 

Fill their water bowl with ice or soup

Another great approach to keep them hydrated on a hot day is with ice or water that has been flavored with chicken stock. Squashed ice cubes, chicken, beef broth, or both, can be added to the water dish of your pup if he or she refuses to consume the usual tap water. They may enjoy that liquid a little bit more!

 

Freeze different fluids

Your dog can be more intrigued by other frozen liquids if they don’t react well to water-based ice cubes. Giving your labradoodle puppy a little frozen chicken stock is a fantastic alternative. Salt is bad for dogs, so ensure the broth you buy doesn’t contain any additional onion, pepper, or salt. Onion plants and garlic are potentially deadly for dogs.

 

Incorporate shady areas in your yard

Never leave a pet in a confined vehicle, or even your pup’s kennel or dog house with no ventilation. Your pet can easily overheat if there isn’t enough ventilation. Alternatively, provide a shaded spot in your yard where they may spend much of each day if they have to be outside. If you do not have a tree, you may set up a tarp, piece of fabric, or shadow screen.

 

Relax in the water with them

Some dogs adore swimming, while others do not. For those that do, a simple plunge in a puppy pool will quickly chill off your furry friend. Additionally, you might wet the cloth and place it all over their body, particularly on their chest and stomach if they don’t enjoy the pool. Alternatively, you may take the hose and sprinkle them; just make sure the water temperature from the sun has evaporated before you start so that the water is nice and cool.

 

Make your frozen treats

Summertime is the ideal time for frozen delicacies. Your puppy might enjoy frozen raspberries, bananas, carrots, and bean sprouts. Make your handmade freezing fruit or chicken soup popsicles to go one step farther. Your pup will adore it!

You may consider feeding your dog a smoothie. Although it may sound absurd, your pup may consume many of the same components that are used in smoothies for people. You may prepare a little shake for them with enough ice or water to it as long as you take care to avoid potentially dangerous items.

Smoothies for dogs should just contain a few components to avoid risking causing an upset stomach. Try combining some blueberries, bananas, ice, and plain yogurt. Freeze the resulting concoction in ice cube trays or give it to them as a smoothie. This hydrated treat is delicious for your pet as well!

 

Prevent running or simply walking on hot sidewalks

Before letting your dog walk on the ground when you head for a trip, inspect it. For 5 – 8 seconds, press the back of your hand firmly on the ground. If that’s too hot for you, it’s also too scorching for your pup. If you do want to take your dog for a stroll, make sure to provide them with booties to protect their paws from the heat. Booties are great for both heat and cold. You can also walk short distances on grass rather than the pavement.

 

Ensure you know the rules for shaving your dog

Maintaining your dog’s grooming is important no matter the weather, but perhaps in the summer, it is even more important. Be aware of your dog’s coat type and know whether you should or should not shave your pup. The coat of your pup may keep him cool and comfortable in summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, it helps shield them from UV radiation. Dogs with double coats should never be shaved. 

For dogs that do not need to be shaved, periodically comb their fur. This gets the dead hair out of the coat so that sufficient ventilation is possible. Additionally, it prevents their hair from matting. Fur that is matted may hold heat.

Some dogs drink water without hesitation when it is provided, so be sure to always have fresh water for your pup. However, if you have  a dog who does not drink enough water, consider one of the suggestions on the list above.

In the heat of the summer, dehydration in your dog is a very real issue. Be aware of the symptoms and take your pup to the vet if this occurs. 

Guest Author: Emila is a freelance journalist and blogger with a love for those with four legs! She has grown up around animals and pets and wants to use her knowledge on pet behavior, training and lifestyle tips to help other pet parents live the best possible life with their furry friend. 

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Dog Park Safety – 7 Tips for Safe Fun

Many of us, particularly those of us in urban areas, love being able to take our pups to the dog park to play and romp to their heart’s content. Dog parks can be a great and safe way to get out some of your pet’s energy and let them learn to socialize with other pups. However, dog parks aren’t always the safest place for all dogs. Owners may not recognize or be able to fix unwanted or problem behaviors that could result in dangerous situations.

In order to keep yourself and your pet safe, there are some dog park etiquette rules that must be followed.

two dogs playing in a field, one dog with tongue hanging out and the other prancing

1. Know your pet.

Dogs are social creatures but not all dogs love all dogs. Dr. Susan Nelson, DVM, states that “a dog park is a great place for dogs to get some exercise and learn social skills…[but] if your buddy is aggressive or has issues that could make him hostile toward another dog playing with a ball or Frisbee, the dog park is not the place to teach him to make friends or share his toys.” Those issues should be addressed by a trainer first.

Dogs have different types of play styles. The Whole Dog Journal lists a few different types, including the social butterfly and the fetch-aholic. You should know how your pup likes to play to determine if a dog park is right for your dog. For example, is your dog a rough-and-tumble pup or does he or she enjoy the chase? Does your dog prefer a calmer one-on-one play style? Consider what your dog likes to do and watch for play that could stress out or scare your dog. If your dog does not play the way others in the park do (either too rough or too fearful) do not allow your dog to interfere in others’ play. An overstimulated rough-houser can cause an aggressive response from another dog or a fearful dog may become the target of a group of rough-housing dogs.

Above all, before you go to the dog park, for both the safety of your own pet and others in the park, be sure that your dog is consistently responsive to basic commands including “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.” Here are a few ideas of when your pup should NOT go to the dog park:

  • If your puppy is under 4 months of age then it has not had all of its vaccinations and should not be exposed to other dogs
  • If your adult dog does not have a rabies vaccination you may not be allowed in the park; some parks allow for rabies titers but not many. Rabies vaccinations are required in the USA so your pup should have one anyway, especially if you have licensed him or her with your town.
  • If your female dog is in heat do not bring her to the dog park. You do not want to risk an accidental litter or cause a fight between male dogs vying for a female.
  • If your pup does not have consistent recall, you should not bring them to the park. If you cannot retain control over your pet (even if they are friendly) your dog can create stressful situations that could lead to aggression and you cannot remove them from a suddenly dangerous place.
  • If your dog shows any kind of aggression do not bring them to the park. Some dogs play well with little dogs but are afraid of or stressed by larger dogs or vice versa. Some dogs don’t like people in hats. Some dogs refuse to share toys or food. (While you should not bring toys or treats to the dog park, be aware that others will and your dog will need to cope with that.) Whatever your pup’s trigger(s) might be, if your dog can become threatening or aggressive, do not take them to a place that will cause unnecessary amounts of stress for them and those around them.

2. Know your park.

Pick the right dog park for your pup. Before entering the park, scan the inside and look for too many dogs, inattentive owners, too much dog waste left lying around, or aggressive or pushy dogs. If you see any of those, consider trying a different park or type of exercise. Ideally a good dog park will have:

  • A double-gated entry, preferably with multiple points of entry to separate dogs, sturdy fencing, and posted rules
  • Well-stocked poop bag dispenser(s) and trash cans for disposal
  • Large spaces for dogs to run and spread out and separate areas for large and small dogs
  • Dog-friendly water fountains, make sure it’s not just a bowl on the ground but there’s running water to refill dishes
  • A sheltered area for shade, either from large trees or manmade
  • Follow any posted rules, including those banning toys or food.
  • Consider dog parks that require a membership or entrance fee. Those are often better maintained with enforceable rules and more conscientious owners.

3. Go at an “off” time.

If your pup is just getting used to dog parks or if he or she tends to be shy, consider going when you know the dog park won’t be crowded. Your dog will appreciate the extra space and lower numbers of other dogs and you will be able to breathe easier knowing you haven’t submitted your pup to a stressful situation. If your dog is a ball-hog and they just need to bring their ball, consider going at an off time so there are fewer dogs to interfere in fetch.

Going at off times can also be great in the summer as a way to stay out of the heat of the day. Your dog can easily get overheated if you go to the park after work. Instead, try to go early in the morning, before 10am, or later at night, after 6pm, for playtime.

Remember, you can always leave early or not enter if the park is too crowded. It’s better to try something different than put your dog in a stressful and potentially scary situation.

4. Bring necessary supplies.

You should be aware that there’s always a chance your pup could get hurt or overheated at the dog park. Be prepared with necessary supplies either on hand or in your car. When you go to the park you should always have:

  • Your dog’s collar with ID tags on your dog at all times
  • A leash to remove or restrain your dog if necessary
  • Poop bags to clean up after your dog (some diseases can spread through feces so it is important to pick up after your pet)
  • Fresh water in case the park does not provide any
  • Your cell phone with your veterinarian’s phone number and the number for Animal Control programmed into it
  • Some form of animal deterrent for worst case scenarios. You don’t want to get in the middle of a dog fight but an air horn or animal deterrent spray can help break up a fight before too much damage is done.

5. Be vigilant.

It’s not necessary to stare continually at your pet, but it is important to be observant and know where your dog is at all times.  Here are a few ideas for what to be aware of in the park:

  • Keep an eye on your pup and the dogs in the area. Be watchful of the dogs playing with or near your pup, especially if they seem to be overly excited or aggressive. If your dog seems overwhelmed, call him or her back to you to create space from the stressful situation.
  • Don’t enter the park if there are any dogs hovering near the gate. Wait until they’ve wandered or been called away to enter with your pup. Entryways can be a source of contention with some dogs and it is easy to get bottlenecked if you aren’t careful.
  • If there isn’t a separate small dog area be careful with your pup playing with dogs of different sizes. If your dog is larger, make sure they aren’t overwhelming the smaller dog. If you have the smaller dog, make sure he or she isn’t intimidated by the larger dog. In a worst case situation, a dog is more able to survive an attack from a dog their size.

6. Know the difference between play and aggression.

Some dogs have a rougher style of play than others. It can be difficult for both you and your dog to know when another dog is playing or becoming aggressive, especially when they have different play styles. Here are a few ways to tell the difference between play and aggression.

  • A playful dog will bounce around another dog with a loosely wagging tail. He or she will have a relaxed posture and a relaxed or gently smiling face. The playful pup will often play bow to the other dog before continuing to bounce or initiate a chase.
  • An aggressive dog will have a stiff posture with either raised hackles or tightly closed mouth and a hyperfocused stare. Often the tail will be wagging but it will be a high and tight wag that signals stress. Staring, crouching, stalking, and charging are all undesirable behaviors. For some very good descriptions of potential issues with dogs at dog parks, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers has compiled a list here.
  • If one dog is being chased by or ganged up on by a group of dogs, even if it began as play, it is a potentially volatile situation. Remove your dog (either the chaser or chasee) from that environment to de-escalate the play.
  • If your dog or another dog begin to growl at each other, stay calm and call your dog to you. Move to another spot in the dog park (or leave if your dog is overwhelmed) to allow stress levels to decrease away from the situation. Do not attempt to drag your dog away by the collar because that could ratchet up the aggression levels in either dog and instigate a fight. Do not get between dogs in a fight; use the air horn or deterrent spray.

7. Know when to leave.

Have you ever seen an overtired toddler? Happy play can immediately turn to temper tantrums. A similar thing can happen with dogs, especially in a dog park environment. Instead of staying for hours, leave before your dog gets to that point. Even if your dog starts out playing well, if he or she becomes overexcited, threatening, or is misbehaving in any way, it’s time to take your pet home and try another day. Overstimulated dogs that are not removed from their environment can easily cause problems for themselves or other dogs. Know your dog’s temperament and moods and leave before your dog can reach a snapping point. It is foolish to assume that your dog, even if he or she is normally passive, will never attack another dog or person. “He’s never done that before!” is a common refrain and a preventable one.

If your dog doesn’t seem like a “dog park dog” it’s not the end of the world. Not all dogs do well in a dog park situation. There are many other ways to exercise and socialize your dog and generally enrich their lives. It’s better to find new ways to play than put your pet in a potentially hazardous situation.

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