Hot Weather Care for Dogs

Summers in Nevada are definitely scorchers. While many dogs love summertime activities, like hiking and swimming, hot weather can be pretty tough on them. After all, Fido is wearing a fur coat. Knowing how to protect your pup from the heat is very important! Here, a Las Vegas, NV vet lists discusses summer care for dogs.

Make sure Fido always has plenty of fresh water. If you notice that he often drains his bowl, set out multiple watering stations, and/or get automated waterers. We also recommend this for people with large homes and/or multiple pets. Wash your pup’s bowls daily, as doggy dishes-especially outside ones-can quickly get contaminated by wild animals. Some, such as certain toads, can even poison the water!

Many dogs will be more comfortable with a cool summer ‘do. Just be sure to check with your vet first, as haircuts aren’t suitable for all pooches. Many pups with thick coats, such as huskies, have fur that insulates them from both heat and cold, and should not be shaved.

As you’ve probably noticed, walking barefoot on hot ground can be pretty painful. Keep Fido on soft surfaces as much as possible in hot weather. You can also try putting booties on him. If your pooch won’t go for wearing shoes, use paw balm to protect his feet.

Limit Fido’s outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day. Save those walks and play sessions for morning and evening, when it’s cooler out. If you want to take your furry pal out and about with you, always bring water for him. You may want to get disposable dishes or a portable doggy water bottle with a dispenser.

We really just can’t state this enough. Never leave Fido locked in a vehicle, or in a room without climate control. This can be a deadly mistake!

Want to keep your pup’s tail going? Set out a kiddie pool for him to splash around in. (Tip: to conserve resources, use the water for plants when puppy playtime is over.) Fido may also enjoy a cold snack, such as doggy ice cream. You can even give your canine buddy an ice cube or some cool sodium-free broth as a treat.

Please feel free to contact us, your Las Vegas, NV pet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!