Safety Tips for Dogs in the Summer Heat

Safety Tips for the Dog Days of Summer

When we built the Deputy Kotflia Dog Park in downtown Tampa, we wanted to make sure dogs, and their owners could get relief from the intense Florida sun. Built under the shade of the Selmon Expressway and with water stations for dogs to hydrate, this dog park is maintained by the City of Tampa and offers a perfect place to play with your pooch all year long. Making sure your animals are safe during the Summer heat is important. Here are some tips from the Humane Society on how to keep your animals healthy when temperatures are high:

Never leave your pets in a parked car.

Not even for a minute. Even with windows cracked, the temperature within you car can reach an unsafe zone topping past 100 degrees. This heat exposure can cause irreversible organ damage to your beloved animal.

Watch the humidity

Tampa humidity scales can reach past 50% in the peak of Summer. When the humidity is high, an animal can’t pant enough to assist their cool down process leaving them in a dangerous overheating state.

Limit exercise on hot days

Adjust the intensity and length of exercise during hot Summer months to avoid overheating. Exercising early morning and late evening when the temperatures cool off is a much better schedule than having them out in the scorching mid-day heat.

Provide ample shade and water

Any time your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and the sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact; it makes it worse.

If you notice glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, or vomiting, these can be signs that your animal is experiencing heat stroke and needs help. A cold towel, an air-conditioned space, cool water and ice cubes can help as can getting your pet directly to a veterinarian. Don’t wait- make sure your pet is safe and enjoying a Summer of healthy play.

The Deputy Kotflia Dog Park is located at 705 Raymond Street, Tampa, FL