Hot town, hot streets and hot dogs

Climate is key

Our ally it is, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us, binds us and it's not going anywhere. Hopefully. I'm talking about The Force and The Climate. With global warming and summer approaching or having a firm grasp of our perspiratory glands already, it's time to talk about hot towns, hot streets and hot dogs. When we went to Italy and brought Bea along for the first time, we knew we had to keep a constant eye on her wellbeing, much closer than in cosy no-frills Austria.

The Danube's cool. And Bea loves dipping her paws!

With temperatures reaching 38°C (100°F) in bella Italia, sizzling sidewalks and beaches without shade, it was challenging, but we kept a cool head (this pun is intended). Here are my six healthcare tips for dogs during hot weather:

1. Let is flow!

Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather, so refill their water bowl frequently. Bring a portable bowl and enough water for walks.

2. Keep cool!

Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (depending on where you are, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Early morning (noooO!) or late evening (alright!) walks might be a good idea. Seek the shade and avoid hot pavement. When I go for a walk with Bea, I test the pavement with my hands (!), not my feet. If my hand can manage, Bea's paws can too.

3. No riding solo!

Cars are ovens. Period. But what if I...NO! Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside cars rise faster than Alderaan exploded. They are life-threatening. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short period. Unless your willing to go down with them.

4. It's so fluffy!

BUT: Regular grooming helps prevent matting, which can trap heat. However, avoid shaving your dog’s coat completely as it provides protection against sunburn and overheating. Consult a groomer for advice on suitable summer cuts.

5. Be alert!

Watch for symptoms of heatstroke! They include excessive panting, thick drooling, weakness, rapid heartbeat, disorientation, vomiting and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a cooler place, provide water, and contact a vet immediately. Check out the AKC article for more signs and help!

6. Adapt, react, readapt, act

Reduce the intensity and duration of exercise during hot weather. Take more breaks, especially if your dog is active or has a thick coat. Indoor activities and games might be better to keep your dog entertained without the risk of overheating.

Bonus!

7. Allow me to break the ICE!

It's serious. But you can approach serious in a fun way! There are plenty of options for cooling your dog: cooling mats, fans, or wet towels for your dog to lie on. You can also fill a kiddie pool with water for them to splash in and cool off. And a real treat is to make real treats: homemade frozen dog treats using ingredients like (dog-friendly) peanut butter, cucumbers, carrots and so on. These will help your dog to cool down from the inside.

Enjoy the summer, have fun and tell me how you and your dog keep cool during sweaty season!