Portrait of golden labrador running forward in camera direction on a field in the summer park, looking at camera. Green grass and trees background

As the summer heat rises and the time we spend in the sun increases, it’s important to take the proper precautions to remain safe from heat-related illnesses, not just for humans but for our pets too. As dog owners, it’s important to know your furry friend’s limits and take extra care of them in hot weather, so your fun day in the sun doesn’t turn into a trip to the vet.

Here are five ways to keep your dog safe and healthy in the summer heat!

1) Keep Them Out of Midday Sun

Avoid exercising with your dog on those hotter days; if you must, at least avoid the midday hours or anytime it seems too hot for yourself. When going for a walk, avoid hot asphalt that can burn your pet’s paws, keep running to a minimum, and bring plenty of cold water to keep your dog cool.

2) Don’t Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

On a mild to hot day, temperatures in a closed car, even with cracked windows, can exceed 120 degrees in minutes, creating a very dangerous condition for any animal. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help. Never leave your dog in a hot car with no air conditioning on!

3) Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Keeping dogs cool in summer requires having plenty of water on hand. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog cool and hydrated is to carry a portable, collapsible water bowl and bottles of cold water. Make sure your dog drinks water every hour. If they start panting excessively, get them into the shade and offer more water immediately.

4) When in Doubt, Stay Indoors

Avoid being outside for long periods during the hottest time of day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take walks earlier in the morning to avoid as much heat as possible. Animals can get sick quickly on hot days, even in the shade.

5) Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is a serious hazard for dogs on hot days, especially those very young or old or not in good health. Watch for signs of:

Vomiting
Excessive drooling
Diarrhea
Uncoordinated movement
Collapse
Loss of consciousness
Reddened gums
Seizures

If you see any of these signs in your dog, immediately move them into a cooler environment and call your veterinarian. You can use ice packs and give your pet some cool water to alleviate the condition until you get to the veterinarian’s office.

At Lankas Labs, we raise exceptional Labrador Retrievers. The Labrador retriever was bred to help their human companion during outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and other sport. Outdoor work and play come naturally to them as opposed to other dog breeds. However, it is still recommended that the Labrador should not spend time outdoors when the heat is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or if the humidity is above 20%.