Keeping dogs cool on hot days

This weekend's heat spell peaked in the mid-90s this afternoon, and cooler weather is promised for the rest of the week. However, the summer isn't even close to over with more hot spells headed our way before the cool breezes of autumn take over.

On hot days, it's natural to want to spend time with your pets playing outside in the sun. While dog owners should include their pet as much as they can on family outings, here are a few things to consider during warmer weather:

Check the sand

If your furry friend is accompanying you on a trip to the beach, be aware of the ground temperature. On a hot day, the dry sand on beaches can be scalding to the bare pads of your dog's paws. Best bet is to consider a day at home and save the beach day for one that isn't so hot. But if a day at home isn't in the cards, there are still options for safely bringing your dog with you. If your pet is small enough, carry them to the cooler, wet sand. You can also purchase booties for your dog to wear on hot sand, that is, if your dog will wear them. Choose a spot that's close enough to the wetter sand to minimize time on the dry sand. Then set up your umbrella for shade, and sweep the shaded area to reveal the cooler sand underneath so that your pet can rest easy.

Take a lazy day

Exercise for dogs should be less intense on days when the temperature is nearing triple digits. Just like sand, pavement can also be scalding to your pet's paws. Dogs, especially ones with white fur, can become sunburnt from the sun, running the risk or skin sores or even skin cancer. Pets with shorter noses can experience trouble breathing if they exert too much energy.

If it's vital for your pet to get out of the house each day, utilize the earlier or later times of the day instead of when it's most hot. Walk your dog on grass whenever possible. And remember to always carry a water bottle for your dog so that they don't get dehydrated.

Keep your dog cool and hydrated

Your dog's water bowl should be filled at all times. You may even want to give your dog several options around the house and yard to drink up on hot days. Fans around the house aren't as effective for pets as they are humans, so don't rely on them to keep your dog cool. If you have a backyard, offer plenty of shade for your dog to rest under, and perhaps even a mini wading pool for them to splash or lay in. Offer your dog cool treats, like frozen peanut butter yogurt dog treats found at cesarsway.com.

Never leave your dog in a parked car

This should go without saying. And yet, there are constant reports of dogs left in the car while their owner leaves for some miscellaneous errand. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, according to the Humane Society. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 120 degrees.

Recently, Tyrann Mathieu of the Arizona Cardinals posted a video of himself inside a parked car. After eight minutes, the athlete felt dizzy and was forced to vacate the car. (See the video here: youtu.be/gBTGcWUf2ts)

A dog does not have the luxury of opening a closed car door, and they are unable to protect themselves beyond panting from heat. According to PETA, a dog can sustain brain damage and even die after only 15 minutes in a parked car.

If part of your car journey involves places your dog isn't welcome to accompany you to, leave your dog at home. If you come across a dog inside a parked car, PETA advises:

1. Take down the car's make, model, color and license plate, and have the owner paged in the nearest buildings.

2. Call the local animal shelter or police immediately. If the animal is in distress, call 911.

3. Don't leave the scene until the situation is resolved.

4. If the owners are nowhere to be found, the authorities slow to respond or the dog's life appears in danger, find one or more witnesses, then take the necessary steps to remove the animal from the car.

5. Wait for the authorities to arrive.

If your dog is suffering from heatstroke

According to the Humane Society, some of the signs of heatstroke in a dog include heavy panting, glazed or listless eyes, an increased heart rate, trouble breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. Should your dog be experiencing heatstroke, the first thing to do is to move him or her into the shade and apply ice-packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest. Running cool (not cold) water over your dog will also help. Encourage your dog to drink or lick ice cubes, if conscious. Then take your dog directly to your veterinarian.