With summer here, plenty of dog owners want to spend time outside with their pets. However, the heat can easily affect your canine, so you’ll need to take extra steps to keep them cool and comfortable. The team at Countryside Veterinary Service Middlefield want you to enjoy your outdoor exercise with your pet, so their veterinarians offer the following advice to pet owners to ensure they can keep their dogs cool and comfortable all summer long.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car

Under no circumstances should your dog be left in a hot car for any length of time. Along with the severe health effects to your animal, you could also find yourself in legal trouble. Even if the temperature is relatively cool, it is often 10 to 20 degrees hotter inside the vehicle after just 10 minutes. Leave your dog at home when it’s hot outside, or only take them places where they are welcome inside with you.  

Provide Plenty of Fresh Drinking Water

It’s natural that your dog will want to be outside when it’s nice, which is why providing plenty of fresh drinking water is crucial. Dehydration can set in pretty quickly, and a continuous supply of water will prevent your pet from overheating. You should also make sure that your pet has a shady spot to rest, and keep exercise to a minimum when temperatures reach dangerous levels.

Know the Signs of Overheating

If your dog becomes overheated, knowing the signs and symptoms allows you to seek help from a veterinarian quickly. Dogs who are overheating will have accelerated heart rates, problems breathing, excessive panting or drooling, and may appear to be in a stupor. If you think your pet is overheated, immediately move them to a cool location and apply ice packs to bring down their temperature. You should also seek emergency pet care from a veterinarian as soon as possible.

With six convenient animal clinics in Northeaster Ohio and Northwester Pennsylvania, Countryside Veterinary Service Middlefield helps pet owners keep their dogs safe all summer long. Their veterinarians also offer a variety of other services, including vaccinations, surgery, and spaying and neutering. They treat both small and large animals, so you can entrust the clinic to take care of your horses, cattle, guinea pigs, and rabbits in addition to cats and dogs. To learn more about their locations and services, visit them online.