Summer is Here!
Summer is officially here June 21 st but it’s hot where I currently am, yesterday’s forecast was 98°F. That is hot for June, especially since I am used to temperatures a bit lower until later in the summer. I think it is the perfect time to talk about keeping our diabetic dogs safe and hydrated throughout the summer, so grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage and let’s get to it!
Lucy was a sun worshipper but after she was diagnosed with diabetes she had a harder time regulating her body temperature. I quickly learned by testing her blood glucose levels that heat dropped her BG so I had to limit the amount of time that she laid in the sun. When it was really hot I limited her sunbathing to five minutes.
This is common with diabetic dogs and has to do with blood vessel and nerve damage due to higher blood glucose levels. Diabetics also dehydrate faster than nondiabetics. Temperature can also affect blood glucose levels; high temperatures can change how the body uses insulin.
If it is hot limit your diabetic dog’s time laying in the sun.
Exercise should be reserved for when it is cooler, either earlier in the morning or in the evening time when it has cooled off. Test your dog’s blood glucose levels before exercise and then approximately fifteen minutes into exercise. This will help you determine just how exercise when it is hot affects your dog’s levels.
Cooling mats are a terrific invention, just make sure that the cooling mat is non-toxic especially if your dog is a chewer. Here is a link to a cooling mat on Amazon that has great reviews:
Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat 27” x 43” Pad
I made a lot of frozen treats for Lucy to help her stay cool during heat waves. I froze low sodium broth or homemade broth in little ice cube trays…PUPSICLES! You can also freeze little dollops of plain Greek yogurt or pure pumpkin on lined cookie sheets. Frozen veggies are also a great snack and they are crunchy!
I used the pupsicles to encourage water consumption as well, I just popped a couple into Lucy’s water bowl.
When I was a young adult I lived in Phoenix, Arizona. One day I needed something from my car so I absent mindedly ran out to the car without shoes on. The pavement was not too bad but when I hit the asphalt, I burned my feet; a quick and painful lesson that I never forgot. Your dog’s feet will burn if the pavement or asphalt is too hot, please follow the “seven seconds rule” before you take your dog out for a walk.
I hope this blog helps your sweet pup beat the heat! If you live in areas with extreme weather, please be sure to read my last blog: Ready, Set, GO! Being ready to GO is so important and having a go bag is crucial when you have a diabetic dog!
Have a terrific week stay cool, comfy and caffeinated!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.
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~ Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
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