Insights from a Lubbock expert: How to care for dogs in the summertime

LUBBOCK, Texas — Summer is here and many are eager to have some summertime fun. Your furry friends deserve to have summertime fun too, but some summer activities may be harmful to your dog. Taylor Ruggles with the Lubbock Animal Shelter told EverythingLubbock.com about how to care for your dogs in the summer temperatures.

Can you leave a dog in the car?

Ruggles urged pet owners not to leave their dogs in the car while it’s off. The temperature inside the vehicle is much hotter than it is outside and can be very harmful to dogs.

How long can dogs be outside?

Every dog breed has different temperatures and amounts of time they can handle outside. Generally, dogs with long hair can’t spend extended amounts of time outside, but shorter-haired dogs would be able to spend longer outside. Ruggles suggested doing your research to learn what your dog can handle.

If your dog is a working dog or an outside dog, Ruggles said to make sure they always have access to shade and clean water. Owners who build enclosures for their dogs outside must ensure they have ventilation, Ruggles said.

Can dogs go on walks in the summer?

If the temperature is over 90 degrees, limit walking time to no more than 10 minutes, Ruggles said. If it’s too hot to keep your hand on the ground, it’s too hot for their paws. Ruggles suggested getting boots for your dog to wear on their paws. Boots will help protect their paws if they allow them to be on while walking.

Should dogs wear sunscreen or bug spray?

For most dogs, their fur is enough to protect them from the sun. Ruggles said it doesn’t hurt to take extra measures to protect them from the sun. Owners can put dog-safe sunscreen on their dog’s nose or on other parts of their skin that aren’t protected by fur.

Bug spray that is catered towards dogs is also okay to use. Ruggles urged owners to do their research and ensure the chemicals in the spray are safe for dogs.

What to do when your dog is overheating?

If your dog is lethargic, drooling, pale, or has muscle tremors, they may be overheating. Ruggles said to immediately get them food or water if your dog is overheating. She also said diarrhea or throw-up can lead to further dehydration.

Ruggles urged to not put your dog in an ice bath or give them a wet towel as that may put their bodies into shock.

If your dog continues to show signs of heat exhaustion, Ruggles said to immediately take them to a vet.

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