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In Denver there is much to do outside and most Denverites enjoy the summertime with trails, walks, parks and the outdoor Colorado lifestyle that is very dog friendly.
Many folks in and around Denver have a dog or 2 Dogs. Unfortunately, many people might not let their dogs in on the fun because they are worried about the extreme sun exposure, heat and more. With Denver being a mile above sea level the sun is more intense that other parts of the country. Kenna Real Estate Group has some good news! with some tips you and your Dog can enjoy the Colorado outdoors if you follow these seven key tips for keeping your dogs cool and safe.
1. Get your dog wet - dogs Love it!
One way to keep your dog cool during outdoor activities is to allow him to play in the sprinklers, swim or do other water play activities. Always check out the gathering venue ahead of time to determine what water options are available for your dog. It's also a good idea to bring a few old towels along to dry your dog after he protect your car seats. There is a great dog park at chatfield reservoir that has a big pond that the dogs can play in. Its a hit on hot Colorado Summer Days
2. Give your dog lots of water Keep your dog hydrated
Keeping dogs cool in summer requires keeping plenty of water on hand. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog cool and hydrated is to carry a portable, collapsible water bowl and bottles of cold water. Make sure your dog drinks water every hour. If he starts panting excessively, get him into the shade and offer more water right away.
3. Let your Dog hang out in your Basement
The concrete floor of a basement is always cool and your Dog will love streaching out and cooling his or her belly. Denver Basements are also a great place for us humans to chill.
4. Keep your dog out of the heat
Avoid exercising with your dog on the hotter days, and if you must, at least avoid the midday hours or anytime it seems too hot for yourself. In The Denver area late June and July When going for a walk, avoid hot asphalt that can burn your pet’s paws, keep running to a minimum, and bring plenty of cold water to keep your dog cool.
5. Keep your dog out of a parked car
With all the tragic stories in the news, this should go without saying — but you should never ever leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a moment. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 130°F-180°F when it’s 80°F- 90° -100°F outside.” Even with the windows cracked a few inches, temperatures rise very quickly It takes less than 5 mins for the heat to rise hot enough to cause irreversible organ damage or even death.
6. Keep your dog out of the dog house - Put dog house in shady areas not getting much sun
Dog houses aren’t safe in hot weather, because they block air flow and trap the heat inside. If your pet is outside, be sure to keep him or her in the shade when possible, with plenty of water on hand. You can add ice to their water bowl if it’s especially hot to help keep your dog cool when he’s outside. Try placing the dog house in the shade along with a big bowl of ice! Sound like fun for any dog.
7. What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs and what to do?
Heatstroke is a very serious hazard for dogs on hot days, especially those who are very old, puppies, or not in good health.
Check for the signs of heatstroke in your dog:
- Not moving from shaded areas
- Excessive panting and/or salivating
- Obvious discomfort and whining
- Vomiting and/ /or diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Seizures
If you start to see any of these signs in your dog, move him or her into a cooler environment right away and call your veterinarian. You can use ice packs and give your pet some cool water to alleviate the condition until you get to the veterinarian’s office.
Many of the complications from heatstroke do not begin to appear until several days after the incident — but prompt veterinary care can potentially prevent or treat some of these complications.
So, when you and your best friend head out this summer, remember these important tips for keeping dogs cool outside or bring them inside into the Air Conditioning. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen for yourself!
