The temperature yesterday was in the 70s in the Portland, Oregon area. By tomorrow, forecasts are calling for temperatures in the 90s! It looks to me like summer is coming… and coming fast.
Dealing with the heat is somewhat easier for people than for pets. After all, we have thumbs for turning on the air conditioning… or the option of escaping to a cool, dark movie theater when the sun is too much.
Some dogs do love the sun and heat, though. My brother’s American Staffordshire Terrier Lily Biscuits just loves sunshine. She’ll sprawl out on the warm concrete sidewalk around the pool and soak up the rays. But we worry about letting her sunbathe for too long — she’s a mostly white dog with very thin fur on her belly. Her exposed skin (on her face and stomach especially) turns very pink when she’s in the sun! She’s our little solar powered pup.
If your dog is a sun lover, here are some tips to help them enjoy the rays safely:
- Short-haired white dogs (like Lily Biscuits) are at the highest risk of getting a sunburn. You can apply a spray sunscreen to your dog’s entire body!
- Even if your dog doesn’t have short, white hair, you can apply sunscreen to keep them safe. Be sure to hit the ears and nose (and belly if your dog likes to sunbathe belly-up).
- Be sure your pet always has access to fresh water! Some pets like to crunch on ice — just be careful about giving too big a chunk. Chewing on ice can lead to chipped teeth.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke.
- Give your pet the opportunity to rest in the shade, especially if he’s going to be spending hours outside.
- If you have a short-nosed breed like a bulldog, pug, or Pekingese, don’t let them stay outside on a hot day for a long time. Even a half hour at temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and above can cause deadly breathing difficulties.
- Think about the pros and cons of a summer shave. A double coat is designed to protect against sunburn — but the dog may feel cooler without all the hair.
- Be sure to dry your dog carefully after a swim. Moisture trapped in the coat can lead to hot spots.