Help Dogs Beat The Heat In Fairfax City

FAIRFAX, VA—Given the extreme we've been experiencing the past couple of weeks, and inasmuch that July usually is among the hotter months of the year, it's easy to forget that dogs often are just as miserable as the rest of us.

Toward that end, Fairfax City Animal Control officer Joyce Holden has some tips for how to help dogs manage the scorching conditions:

BEAT THE HEAT:

"The sun is the brightest in the early afternoon, and the warmest temperatures
are in the early evening — 3 to 6 pm," Holden says, meaning your dog is at risk if left unattended outside during these hours.

DRINK UP:

If your dog must be outside, make sure there’s plenty of shade and water available. Dogs get just as thirsty as we do in this weather and are at risk for dehydration. "Carry portable or collapsible water bowls on long walks," Holden says. "Keep multiple bowls of clean water around the home." These precautions allow dogs to stay hydrated and can help prevent heatstroke.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE:

Warning signs of heatstroke for dogs include bright or dark red gums or tongue, excessive
panting, glassy eyes and collapsing. Should your dog exhibit these signs, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Elderly dogs and dogs with shorter snouts are more likely to overheat, so make sure to keep a close eye on them.

MAKE (STREET) SENSE:

If the sidewalk or street pavement feels hot to your touch, it's too hot for your best friend's paws. "Dogs don’t wear shoes. The pads of their paws can quickly burn and suffer serious injuries when subjected to hot pavement for extended periods of time," Holden warns. And finally, the most obvious: Dogs can overheat very quickly in a car, so never leave them alone in a vehicle, even if the windows are down.