After a bitter cold winter in some parts of the country, long awaited hot summer months can be a great time for many people to spend with family, friends, and of course our dogs. Out door events seem to be on the "to do" list every weekend. We wouldn’t be great pet owners if we weren’t including our "fur babies" on that guest list.

We are very much aware of the negative effects humans can suffer from high temperatures and sun rays, such as heatstroke, sunburn, and skin cancer, but have you ever really wondered how our dogs must feel in the scorching heat and sun?

Believe it or not, it is not much different from us. In fact, they can suffer far more, just from the mere fact they have fur. Thick hair dogs are more likely to suffer from heat stroke long before their short hair counterparts do. Thick hair can provide some protection from the suns hot damaging rays, but it traps moisture into the skin and prevents it from escaping, thus causing overheating.

The size of your dog can also play a large role in its ability to withstand high temperatures. The larger the dog, the harder it is for them to lose heat through their nasal passages and tongue. The same rule applies for overweight dogs, as well as older dogs.

Some people believe that shaving their dog’s fur in the summer months will help keep them cool. Shaving can help by allowing the skin to breathe, but if shaved too close to the skin; dogs are then faced with the possibility of sunburn. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a few bad cases of sunburn in my life and they can be awfully painful. I can’t imagine dipping Fido into a bath of aloe vera for some relief.

Be smart. If you are going to take your dog outside for any period of time in the heat, make sure you can provide some shade for them to cool off in. Chances are, if its too hot for you to sit outside, it is too hot for your dog.

Remember to bring plenty of cool water in a cooler for your dog to replenish the heat they are losing in the sun.

Never exercise your dog in excessive heat. Dogs can suffer heatstroke long before humans do. If you are uncomfortably hot in the sun, your dog may already be on his way to an episode of heatstroke. If you want to take your dog for a walk/ run, plan on doing it earlier in the cooler morning hours. 

Never allow your dog to stay in your locked car during hot months. This goes without saying, but far too many we see dogs left in parked cars with barely a cracked window. The air inside your car can heat up to a deadly temperature in just thirty minutes.

If your dog appears to be overheating with heatstroke, NEVER submerge him into a tub of cold water. Just as we humans need to gradually warm from frostbite, dogs need to lower their temperature at the same slow rate. Try placing cool towels over your dog’s body to help lower his temperature.

And finally, don’t forget the sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen! Sunscreen can be used on dogs, just as we use it. Be sure to pay special attention and apply to their bellies and noses, as this is where they are most likely to get sunburn first.

Let’s play it safe this summer and help keep our dogs stay as healthy, cool, and as safe as we possibly can.