Hot Weathers and Your Dog
We know never to leave a dog in a car unattended, especially in extreme weather either hot or cold.
There is nothing worse than getting into your car in the dead of summer, for both humans and dogs. The car is hot and it takes a little while to cool down, as sweat drips off of you and your dog pants away.
How to Test the Temperature of Your Car For Your Dog
Always remember to test the area where your dog will be sitting with your bare hands prior to letting them into the car. If the interior is too hot for your hands, it is too hot for your dog. Get the air conditioning going to cool the vehicle, then let your dog inside.
Going Out With Your Dog
During warm weather, there is usually a surge about dogs being left in hot vehicles. Do not risk it! Whether you are nipping to the shop or going out for a few hours, it is not worth taking the chance.
It only takes a dog a few minutes to overheat in a car. In direct sunlight, temperatures rise quickly inside a motor and this can cause heatstroke or cardiac arrest and ultimately kill a dog.
Looking After Your Dog in the Heat
Here are some helpful tips for looking after your dog in heat weather:
- Dogs benefit from being walked early in the morning or late at night as pavements can get very hot and burn their paws. If it is too hot for your hand it is too hot for your pooch’s paws.
- Cooling bandanas, paddling pools or cold/wet blankets are a great way to help your canine keep cool in the heat.
- If your dog seems uncomfortable, dipping their feet into water or spraying a mist of water onto their face can help.
What You Need When Travelling With Your Dog By Car
If you are planning to travel with your pooch during the hot weathers here are a few tips to help you keep you and your dog cool and comfortable.
- Plan your trip in advance.
- Shade is your friend. If you have a garage, keep your car parked overnight.
- If you do not have a garage, take your time to place a reflective sunshade over your interior front window to minimize heat coming through the glass and getting trapped.
- A nice cooling pad to be placed in the car seat before your dog gets in will help your dog stay cool.
- A cooling jacket or a cold bandana can also be used
How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated?
Your dog needs to be kept hydrated, but you do not want to create a mess in the back seat and have your dog get sick. You can use a travel water dish or a water bottle.
Your best bet is to make a few stops if you have a long car ride and keep your dog hydrated with short water and potty breaks.
What Temperatures is Not Good For Your Dog
The bottom line is no matter how hot it is outside, it can be much hotter in your car. When the temperature rises about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior of a vehicle, temperatures can hit up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.