Most family members enjoy being outdoors during warmer weather, with plenty of time for walks, picnics, trips to the beach and other leisure activities. Your dogs are happy to be with you, enjoying the sights and smells of nature, but care must be taken to make sure your pets are protected from potential hazards, according to an Ocean County Health Department spokesperson.”If your dog enjoys walks outdoors, try to arrange your schedule so the walks take place in the morning hours or early evenings when it is cooler,” said Ella Boyd, VMD, Public Health Coordinator.
“Many of us refresh ourselves with bottled water as we pursue outdoor activities,” she stated. “Just as we become thirstier in hotter weather, so do our dogs. Always carry an extra bottle of water for your pet.”
Dr. Boyd said larger dogs can overheat more quickly than smaller dogs, and older dogs tend to overheat more quickly than younger ones. “Adjust your walk accordingly,” she stated.
She said some signs of heat exhaustion in a dog include:
Excessive panting
A distressed look
Deep red gums
Uncontrolled or agitated movements
“A dog falling behind while on a walk with you is another sign of possible heat exhaustion,” Dr. Boyd said. “Cool the dog immediately by wetting with cool water, then placing him in a cool location, or in front of a fan if possible, and monitor him closely. Seek veterinary help if the dog fails to respond to treatment after 10 minutes.”
“There are other summertime hazards to your dog that must be addressed when traveling by car or truck,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Board of Health. They include:
Keep car windows up while driving so dogs cannot stick their heads out of windows, as bugs, small pebbles and other items can injure his eyes.
Do not travel with your dog in the bed of a pick-up truck. The dog can be bounced about the bed during the ride, and also may jump out if scared or reacting to an unexpected encounter with another animal.
Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle with the windows rolled up. Vehicle interiors quickly overheat and your pet may suffer heatstroke within minutes.
