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It’s getting hot and you are probably spending a lot of time outside with your dog in the sun. There are some important things that you should do to maximize your fun in the sun, while at the same time making sure that your dog is safely enjoying their time outside, and not getting burnt. Luckily this is a lot easier than it might seem. Follow these guidelines for protecting your dog from the sun, and you and your dog will be able to play outside safely all summer long!
PROVIDE SHADE
This might seem like a given but any time you are playing outside always make a note of any areas that may provide natural shade from trees or nearby structures. If you know that you will be playing in an area where there is a lot of sun exposure and not many shaded areas, you may have to bring your own shade with you.
The Explorer Pup Tent from Alcott is a great thing to have on hand if you need to provide your own shade. It is large enough to accommodate most dog breeds, and their beds, and is a perfect place for your dog to sleep, or just take a breather in the shade for a few minutes before returning to play. The Explorer Pup Tent also features 5 area of ventilation for optimal airflow to keep your dog nice and cool. It's easy to transport as it fold down and fits snuggly in it's own carrying bag.
PROVIDE WATER
It is very important to make sure that your dog has enough water to drink when you are playing outside. A dog loses water from its body all day through panting, and sweating and other bodily functions. Dehydration can be harmful and even deadly to a dog, so it is very important to make sure that there is plenty of water available. Some symptoms of dehydration in your dog are: Low energy, a dry mouth, sunken eyes and little interest in eating. A dog that loses even just 10% of its daily water can become dehydrated and sick, so make sure to keep track of how much water your dog has been getting throughout the day.
LIMIT TIME OUTSIDE
Even with a shady place for your pup, you need to be aware of the sun’s positioning and should avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day. This time generally ranges from about 11:00 am until about 3:00 pm in the afternoon but could be different for you, depending on where exactly you live. Creating a positive association for your dog with being indoors during these hours of high heat will make your life much easier. Consider doing the same activity during these hours indoors with your dog to create a positive association with being inside when it is too hot. This could be done by playing indoors with them at the same time every day, or designating this time as a time to be calm and rest.
DON’T OVERGROOM
You can trim your dog’s coat, but avoid overgrooming it. Your animals will begin to lose a bit of their winter coat as the days get hotter. By shedding they are naturally ridding themselves of excess fur they do not need. However, the remaining fur not only helps block the sun from their skin but it also regulates their body temperature by slowing down heat absorption. Also be sure not to let the groomer trim your animals eyelashes, as the longer lashes help to shield their eyes from the sun.
DRESS FOR THE HEAT
It may also be necessary to purchase some kind of protective clothing for your dog. Especially if your dog has lighter fur, or is a breed without much fur at all. The super soft Hurtta Evaporating Cooling Vest ranges from XX Small to XX Large. It can protect your dog's skin from the sun, but also acts as a cooling vest when you get it wet. It is twice as absorbent as other vests on the market, and is the only vest that has an easy on/off design which utilizes a zipper across the back, instead of straps or buckles. Hurtta’s vest is padded, so that the garment fits snugly on your dog’s body but is also comfortable for long-term use. In fact, it was designed with outdoor dog shows in mind, so the vest is super sturdy as well. Additionally, the small and extra small size vests feature a leash point for walking smaller dogs.
If you follow these simple steps, your dog will be able to spend plenty of time having fun in the sun, and you will be able to rest easy knowing that your companion is protected from any potential sun damage.
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