Cool Tips for a Safe and Happy Summer with Your Dog
Summer is here and so far in Southern California it has been a hot one! Luckily it has cooled off a bit this week so the dogs and humans have gotten a break. As usual we got minimal rain this year and we are going to have weather in the 80’s and 90’s until August…and then I am sure the heat will really kick in. Hannah isn’t affected from hot weather; I am sure that is due to her being part Chihuahua, she just loves the sun. But Mabel our Husky mix gets hot quickly even though she has short fur. She does have a double coat and I am sure that’s why she gets hot quickly. The doggy pool will be out and she will have limited play time outside during the day.
Lucy our diabetic dog was a sun lover and I did have to limit her time outside when it was hot because it affected her blood glucose levels, she was a sun worshipper and loved to soak in the rays for as long as possible. Before diabetes she would lay out there until she came in panting and a hot dog. But after diagnosis and learning that heat affected her I had to limit her sunbathing on those hot days.
So let’s go over some tips to keep your dog cool this summer!
Weather can affect blood glucose levels, but since each dog is different some diabetic dogs drop with hot weather and for others blood glucose increases. Test blood glucose levels so that you know how weather affects blood glucose levels and then you can adjust properly. Some dogs need less insulin and some need a little increase.
Time outside may need to be limited and it is recommended to exercise your dog when it is cooler, so either early morning or in the evening time are better options.
There are cooling mats that are filled with a gel material that activated with pressure, they work well and most are filled with non-toxic gel. If your dog is a chewer monitor when they are using the cooling mat.
Cooling bandanas and cooling vests are other great options. The bandanas are activated by water, similar to the human versions and they work well. The cooling vests either use technology like the cooling bandanas or they absorb moisture and wick away body heat.
Use the seven seconds rule when walking your dog, concrete gets hot and asphalt gets even hotter. The seven seconds rule is simple, press the back of your hand on concrete or asphalt for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Heat Stroke is a serious illness that needs to be treated immediately. When a dog’s temperature reaches 103ºF (39.4ºC) they are considered hyperthermic. At 106ºF (41ºC) they are in heat stroke and when they are 107ºF (41.2ºC) or higher organ fail and the dog can die. There are breeds that are more prone to heat stroke:
- Boston Terriers
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Cavalier Charles Spaniels
- Chow Chows
- French Bulldogs
- Pekinese
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
Make sure there is plenty of water available and frozen treats help cool off a hot dog! Make sure they are diabetic friendly; you can freeze bone broth or plain Greek yogurt mixed with pumpkin puree. Cold veggies like celery, cucumbers, green beans are great options and a good source of fiber. Below are a couple of our favorite frosty treats that your diabetic dog can enjoy.
Until next week stay comfy and cool, don’t stress and you got this!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
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Do you need a blood glucose meter kit for your diabetes arsenal? There are two meters you can choose from, the PetTest Classic and the PetLink+ meter that has wireless technology and works seamlessly with the Digital Companion App.
USA links:
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Canada links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-petlink-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
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