Dog swimming in a pool

It is one of the best times to get outdoors and experience all kinds of adventures with your furry best friends – SUMMERTIME!  They are probably as excited as you are to be outdoors.  During the hot and humid summer days we experience in Wisconsin, many health and safety risks rise for dogs. 

The summer heat can prove to be too much for your dog and can cause things such as heatstroke, dehydration, exhaustion or even death. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe this summer season.  You fur babies’ lives could depend on it. 

  • Keep your pets off hot payment and asphalt!  In addition to burning their paws, it can also increase body temperatures, leading to overheating.  Be sure to always keep paws cool.
  • Do not leave you dog unattended in a car on a hot day, not even for a minute or with the car running and air conditioner on.  Temperatures inside cars increase rapidly.  For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.  This makes it highly likely for your pet to suffer irreversible organ damage or death. 
  • Limit exercise in hot weather. Pets do not sweat the way we do.  They cannot cool their bodies efficiently in hot temperatures.
  • Note that dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.  Keep them cool and hydrated by providing plenty of shade and water or keep them in a cool, air-conditioned room.
  • Learn the signs of heatstroke.
    • Excessive panting and salivation, walking staggered, weakness and vomiting
  • Immediately call your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has heatstroke and move your pet to a cooler area.  You should avoid sudden cooling (such as putting your pet in ice).  Place a cool damp towel on their back and allow them to drink small amounts of water. 

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and experience fun-filled days with your pets.  It is also important to be aware that statistics show that during the warm summer months, dog bites are much more common.   According to the New York Post, out of the 4,611 dog bites reported in one year, more than half of those attacks occurred in the summer.  Warm summer weather brings more people outdoors.  Playgrounds, parks and neighborhood streets often see more people during these months.  The more people out and about, the more likely you will encounter someone walking a dog. 

One of the many ways you can help prevent your pet from causing an injury is to make sure they are comfortable and healthy.  For more information about dog bites, get your FREE dog bite brochure.  If you or a loved one experiences a dog bite-related injury, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham. Call 800-800-5678 for a free consultation today. 
Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.