By Kelsey Hurwith for Women’s Day
In the dog days of summer, make sure your pup is properly cooling off. Here are the signs your dog is overheating.
In the words of Keith Urban, it’s gonna be a long hot summer, and that means while you’re out in the backyard enjoying the sunshine and working on your summer tan (while wearing sunscreen, of course!) your dog might be at risk of overheating and dehydration. But there are warning signs of overheating that you can look out for to make sure that your playful pup stays safe and healthy all summer long.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or you’ve had fur-children for years, it’s always good to get a refresher on things to look out for to make sure your dog is happy and safe. These signs of overheating and dehydration, as well as tips on how to rectify the situation if you find your dog exhibiting the signs, will give you the confidence to embrace the summer heat safely this season.
How to know if your dog is overheating
If you want to keep an eye on your dog’s hydration levels, there are a few ways to check for dehydration. Sunken eyes and dry mouth, gums and nose are all signs of dehydration according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. You can also check your dog’s skin elasticity — how long it takes for your dog’s skin to return to its normal position when pulled — by gently pulling up on the skin on the back of your pup’s neck. The longer it takes for the skin to get into its original position, the more dehydrated your dog is, the AKC says.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t rely on sweating to cool their body temperature, so they pant to cool themselves down. Read more from Women’s Day.
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