Summer is finally here and we are all excited to head outdoors!  Whether you’re heading to the dog beach, out for a road trip, or even just for a walk, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when you head out with your dog.

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Breed Considerations
While most dogs love being outdoors, there are a few breeds that need special attention in the heat. This includes brachycephalic breeds, or as I like to call them, “smoosh face” dogs. These are dogs with very short noses and often very small, congested nasal passages.  Pugs, bulldogs, and mastiffs are just a few examples of brachycephalic breeds. Other dogs who are particularly sensitive to the heat include arctic breeds with heavy haircoats such as huskies and akitas.

Did you know dogs can’t sweat?  It’s true. Dogs don’t have sweat glands. They rely on panting to cool themselves. Dogs who have “smooshed” faces cannot cool themselves effectively through panting, so they are very prone to overheating.

Dog  Parks and Beaches
Dog parks and beaches are a great place to cool off with your pup.  The Chicagoland area is home to several beautiful dog parks beaches. Be sure that your dog is appropriately vaccinated and that you have the proper permits to attend these dog friendly areas. Always bring some clean drinking water for your dog. Beach water may be fun to drink, but it is often contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Be sure to give your dog a thorough bath after playing in beach water.

Cars
For many of us, this goes without saying: Never leave your dog alone in a car on a summer day. Even if you crack the windows, the temperature inside your car rises rapidly and quickly becomes life threatening to your pup. Dogs can develop heat stroke in a matter of minutes inside a hot car. It is always best to leave your canine companion at home in the air conditioning while you’re out running errands.

Best times to walk
When the summer heat won’t let up, we need to rearrange our schedules a bit for our dog’s safety. The best times to head outdoors are early morning and late evening. Try to wait until these times to head out for walks or runs. Keep walks short and offer lots of cool water.

Running with your dog
Let’s face it, dogs love to run! What could be more fun than heading out with your pup for a jog? Dogs, like people, need to become acclimated to prolonged exercise. Try heading out for a very short run- only a few blocks at first. Once you’re sure your dog can handle short runs, you may gradually work up to longer runs. Always watch your dog’s cues- slowing down, laying in the grass, or excessive panting are all signs you’re pushing your pup too hard.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that can come on in just minutes. Your dog’s internal body temperature can become dangerously high, often up to 106 or 107 degrees. This can quickly lead to organ failure. Signs of heat stroke include:

•    Excessive (often noisy) panting
•    Weakness or inability to stand
•    Cold extremities
•    Pale gums

If you think your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, move to a cool area and offer water right away. If your dog still seems to be distressed after a few minutes, head to your vet right away. Never place ice against your dog’s skin.

Fleas and ticks
Summer fun brings fleas and ticks! These pesky parasites love jumping onto our pets during the summer and fall months. Fleas and ticks can harbor many infectious diseases such as Lyme disease or tapeworm infection. Thankfully there are many very effective medications available for flea and tick prevention.  Your vet can help you choose the best preventative for your dog’s lifestyle.

Heartworm disease
Have you had a mosquito bite yet this summer?  Chances are your dog has too. It takes one mosquito bite to transmit heartworms to your dog. These worms start out tiny and grow to spaghetti–sized worms inside your dog’s heart. These parasites are very hard to treat and can lead to a variety of serious problems including heart failure.

The easiest solution to the heartworm problem is prevention. All dogs in Illinois should be on heartworm prevention year-round. This is usually an easy to administer chewy pill given once a month. There are also a variety of other heartworm preventatives including topical medications and even an injectable medication. It’s a good idea to have your dog tested for heartworm every spring. Ask your vet about the best heartworm preventative for your dog’s lifestyle.

Of course, your veterinarian is your best source of advice on keeping your pet safe and healthy. Your vet can make sure your pup is properly vaccinated and protected from parasites. Have fun and stay cool!

About the Expert
The owner of Finan Animal Hospital, Dr. April Finan is a 2005 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She has worked both in general practice and emergency care settings and has now finally realized her dream as the owner of Finan Animal Hospital.

In her spare time Dr. Finan enjoys lifting weights, competing in triathlons, cooking healthy meals and spending time outdoors with her family. Dr. Finan is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.

To learn more about Dr. Finan and Finan Animal Hospital, call 630-985-2777 or visit the website at FinanAnimalHospital.com .