Just when we thought there would be a cool down! Are you and your pup protected? Here are some Hot-weather Tips to keep you and your dog safe.
Play Inside: During high heat give your dog stimulation by playing tug or making safe toys available to prevent boredom. It’s a great time for training tricks and obedience skills.
Keep Water Bowl Fresh: Hydration is key to keeping your dog healthy.
They can become dehydrated very quickly. If you do go outside for an exercise walk, make sure you have cooling products on hand.
Cool Coats: Designed to help regulate your dog’s body temperature.
Paw Boots: Used to protect your dog’s paws from hot asphalt pavement and hot beach sand. Hot temps take a while to cool down on either of these surfaces.
The following facts will alert you if your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion or pain:
1) Uncontrollable panting with tongue hanging out
2) Ignoring commands
3) Stumbling or tripping
4) Seeking shade
What to do if your dog is suffering from heat stroke:
1) Rapid cooling “does work” and is life-saving
2) Wet cool towels
3) Cool running water or hosed spray
4) Water-filled pool
5) Anything that is cooler than your dog Note: Stop cooling at 104 degrees F
6) Cool first! Then transport. Do Not waste time allowing your dog
to stay overheated. Their temp will continue to rise and – “cook!”
7) No thermometer! Allow at least five minutes of rapid cooling before attempting to move or transport.
How to Stay Safe at The Beach with Your Dog
When they Swim in the Water Beware of:
1) Tidal currents
2) Salt poisoning
3) Jelly-fish
4) Fish hooks
5) Dead fish
6) Fish hooks
When they Play in the Sand Beware of:
1) Picnic food
2) Marine-rusted debris washed ashore
3) Mudflats and low tides
4) Broken glass
5) Hot sand
6) Sand impaction
7) Sunburn
8) And of course – HEATSTROKE
Going to the beach? Make sure if it’s during the summer season you check the hours and the available entrance to access the beach.
AP BOARDWALK: Dogs are not permitted on the Boardwalk from May 16 to September 14.
AP DOG BEACH: Dogs that are licensed and supervised are allowed on the Asbury Park Dog Beach May 16 to September 14 in the evenings and early mornings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 AM only.
Dogs MUST be off the beach by 8:30 a.m.
AP BOARDWALK & BEACH from September 15 through May 15 Dogs in Asbury Park can enjoy the boardwalk and Asbury Park Dog Beach.
A Note About Seals:
Seals occasionally come to the shoreline on our beaches. When entering the dog beach in seal season (fall through early summer), DO NOT let your dog off-leash at the entrance. Keep your distance. If you observe seals stranded on the beach call Marine Mammal Rescue at their 24-hour hotline at (609) 266-0538.
Remember:
Most dog owners have seen firsthand what can happen to a dog when they suffer from the heat on a walk, a run, or on a trail. Most dogs are completely faithful companions. They will not leave their human’s side. They easily conceal their pain and will follow you ‘until the end’ – no matter what the extreme conditions, sometimes until the end – a tragic situation.
Heat-related exhaustion and emergencies are up this year with record-breaking temperatures. Don’t let your faithful K9 companion be a part of the statistics!