How to keep D.C. dogs safe during this scorching hot summer
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
More spicy hot weather is expected this week in D.C., and there's one very pressing question on our dog-loving minds here at Axios D.C.: How can we keep our pups safe and happy in these temps?
Why it matters: If we feel like we're drowning in our own sweat every time we step out of the house, imagine how our furry friends must feel.
The big picture: First things first: Make sure your dog doesn't overheat, says Mike Dugan, a veterinarian at Small Door Vet's Navy Yard location.
- Dogs in high temps for prolonged periods = a greater chance of dehydration or heatstroke, which in turn could have effects like permanent organ or neurological damage, seizures, blood clotting, or even death, Dugan tells Axios.
- Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting and drooling, vomiting, lethargy, confusion or loss of balance, and bright pink or red gums.
What they're saying: Don't walk your dog between 10am and 4pm on hot days — only take them out for quick bathroom breaks, says Kanwal Sharma, the medical director at Good Vets' forthcoming The Wharf location.
- And stick to grassy areas or shady sides of the street. If you put the back of your hand against the asphalt or sidewalk and it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws, says Dugan.
Also important: Never leave your pup in the car, and always have cool, fresh water on hand, says Sharma. (Consider toting a portable bowl and water .)
- And especially keep an eye on older pups or smoosh-nosed breeds like Frenchies or English bulldogs, Dugan cautions — they're particularly prone to overheating.
Should your dog show signs of heat stroke, immediately bring them inside and either contact your veterinarian or take them to the vet.
- Try to bring their temperature down by giving them water, covering them with a wet towel, and using a fan.
- Don't dunk them in an ice bath or cold water, say vets — bringing down their body temperature too quickly could be harmful.
Pro tip: While pups shouldn't hang in the heat for too long, things like cooling vests, cooling mats, ice toys, shades, or paw protectors can help them stay comfortable, Sharma tells Axios.
- Also: Dogs can get sunburnt, especially hairless pups or those with light fur or noses. The AKC recommends using dog-specific sunscreen, without zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (toxic for doggos).
- Sharma recommends testing the sunscreen on a small patch of your dog's skin beforehand to make sure they're not allergic.
The intrigue: Keep pups engaged during indoor time with mental exercises, vets tell Axios.
- Think: Behavior training, games like fetch or hide-and-seek, or food puzzles.
- And, if possible, Sharma suggests taking your dog for indoor walks around your house, apartment building, or underground parking garage.