Dear Summer, why do you have to be SO HOT!? Don’t get me wrong I totally love the Summer, but we have had some super hot days this Summer! My dog loves to be outside and I do my best to keep him safe in the Summer heat. So today I’d like to give you some Summer pet health tips shared by Bayer Veterinarian, Dr. Zachary Miller.
Come Wag Along is a Bayer Pet Influencer and we are happy to help support happy and healthy pets with Bayer. We always share things that we find beneficial to our readers and things that Simba and I love and support.
Dogs and Panting
Ever wondered why dogs pant? Unlike people, dogs don’t rely on sweating as a major way to cool off. Dogs cool off by panting so that’s a major reason why dogs pant. When dogs pant they utilize walled off areas in their lungs where oxygen is not exchanged. If they did not do this, they would actually hyperventilate. It may not appear this way to humans, but dogs don’t use a lot of energy when panting. Do dogs sweat though? Dogs actually do sweat! They have sweat glands and they are in their feet.
If you have an overweight or brachycephalic (short nosed/flat faced) dog you should be aware that these dogs have a high risk of suffering heat strokes. A common sign of a heat stroke in pets is bloody diarrhea. If you notice your pet has bloody diarrhea you should speak with your vet. As always, when you’re outside this Summer with your pet please make sure to provide your pet with plenty of water and shade. I try to make sure to take my dog outside when it’s not as hot so that would normally be early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Toxins & Pets
While you are out walking your pet or letting your pet roam around in the backyard, there are several things to be aware of. Be on the lookout for blue-green algae! It thrives in hot temperatures! Did you know that Algae can be harmful to pets? Keep your pets away from getting into stagnant water. Beware of stagnant water that looks like it has a blue-green film. This could be algae that’s harmful to pets. Wild mushrooms can be very toxic to dogs. Make sure you pick them out of your yard!
Visit PetBasics.com for more pet education.
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I hope you found these Summer pet health tips helpful! Do you have some Summer health tips for pets to share? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you!
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says
There are a lot of fabulous tips in this post that even I didn’t know about! I have honestly never heard of bloody diarrhea with heat stroke. Thanks for the knowledge!!!!
Paroma says
We have mild weather in summer in San Francisco but still hike in the shade and always keep our pup hydrated
Kamira Gayle says
I’m not a dog owner so I never knew dogs panting helps them stay cool. Great pics of Simba too!
The Daily Pip says
THAT’S REALLY INTERESTING ABOUT ALGAE. I DIDN’T KNOW THAT – THOUGH RUBY HATES WATER SO WE MAY NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THAT ONE. LOL
Shelby Gottschalk says
Beautiful photos! And some great tips. Mushrooms are a big deal because a lot of dogs like to eat them, and like you said – very poisonous!
Shelby Gottschalk recently posted..What Your Vet Doesn’t Want You to Know: Dr. Karen Becker Interview
Jana Rade says
Summer is our least favorite season. You’re looking at heat, biting and stinging insects, snakes … keeping Cookie safe from all those things is a full-time job.
Dash Kitten Crew says
We love Summer in our house, although we DO tend to sleep through the hottest part of the day!
We love your pictures too, absolutely beautiful! What a delightful dog and SOOO photogenic 🙂
Dash Kitten Crew recently posted..Total Eclipse Across the USA UPDATE
Lorie Ham says
Thanks for the great tips. I knew about the mushrooms and we fight that here during the rainy season. I did not know about the feet-good tip.
Debbie says
Great tips! I keep seeing dogs with health issues resulting from drinking algae filled water. I don’t think most people realize how harmful it can be.
Sweet Purrfections says
Great tips for pets and summer. I wonder now how our dogs survived the heat of our hot summers 50 years ago when they stayed outside all the time.
Elizabeth says
Keeping pets safe and cool in summer is so important, as with any weather with temperature extremes. Thanks for these tips! Simba is so cute!!!!
Beth says
I wasn’t aware until recently that algae can create a serious health risk for dogs. Even though summer is supposed to be the fun season, there are a lot of dangers. Thanks for helping to keep dogs safe!
Beth recently posted..Adopt Me: Out of the Box Boxer Rescue
Sandy Kubillus says
I’m glad you mentioned blue-green algae. I’m a certified lake manager and dogs dying from blue=green algae is actually what got me interested in writing, back when it wasn’t talked about much. I use a cool bed to keep my dogs cool.
DOROTHY "FIVESIBESMOM" says
Great and important tips! Especially about the algae! With northern breed dogs – Huskies – they live in the a/c here or they are in their pool, and we do the same as you, go out early and late when it’s cooler. Love your pics! Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool (and safe)!
Jenna says
The panting omg my male makes it a point to come nose to nose with me and begin panting. UGH! lolol
Sue E says
It has been so hot here that we haven’t been able to enjoy this summer! It makes me sad! So of course, we don’t leave our dog out there! Plus we always keep a bowl of refreshing cool water outside for him. I always say knowledge is power and I never knew that they have sweat glands in their feet. I don’t like him walking on hot cement or tar! We’ve heard stories of pet owners leaving their animals in hot cars to bake to death! This also makes me sad and mad!! Our furry friends are not just pets, they are family!! This was pin worthy!
laureetta says
summer is coming soon (in 2 months) Great tips for my dog. Thanks for sharing