Enjoy the Toronto Summer | Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

Enjoy the Toronto Summer | Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

Hello Summer!!

A combination of nicer weather and a city/province that has been in lockdown for soooo long can be a potent combination – lots of people and pups ready to step outside and into the heat!

Collingwood dog in summer heat

Most of us know that it is wise to take short walks in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not so strong, to ensure that our pets have access to water and shade, and to never – never, ever – leave them in a car.

But even with all of the precautions in place, overheating can occur, and occur quickly. Do you know the signs of heatstroke and when your dog is in distress?

Petfinder shared this great graphic to get you started.

Signs-of-heatstroke-in-dogs

If you and your dog live for the summer…

As of June 11, 2021, we are again able to photograph your pups outside! Yay! It has been so long coming and we cannot wait to see you. We schedule sessions early morning or late evening during the summer months to take advantage of the beautiful light and the cooler temperatures. It makes for a more enjoyable experience for you and your pet. Book your session today.

 

POSH PETS BOUTIQUE™ SESSIONS

Where it all begins

  • Pre-session Design Consult that ensures we create images you will be thrilled with.
  • The result is gorgeous custom artwork the life your pet shares with your family.
  • A personal Ordering Consultation to ensure you select the right images from the gallery.
  • Please note: The Creative Fee covers time and talent to photograph a maximum of four (4) subjects, which can be any combination of people and up to two (2) pets who live within the same household. Additional subjects may be photographed for a small additional fee.
  • Examples of portraits from Posh Pets Boutique™ Sessions can be found here.
Summer Safety Tips for Dogs + Cats | Toronto

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs + Cats | Toronto

Summer has finally arrived in Toronto and, with it, the heat! Despite any grumbling, it can be fairly simple for us humans to stay cool in the summer. Thanks to the gift of opposable thumbs, we have choices – we can turn on the air conditioning in our homes and cars, change our clothes, or alter our activities to be more comfortable.

For Toronto dogs and cats, it is much more difficult to adjust to the heat. Even when we find that we are uncomfortably warm and there is no option for air conditioning, our bodies help us to cool down by sweating. Our pets are not as fortunate; not only are they wearing fur, but their ability to sweat is limited to their paws and an open-mouthed pant. Summer safety is our responsibility.

While heat is the main cause for extra pet safety precautions in the summer, just staying out of the sun will not guarantee a safe pet. Here is how you can help your dog and cat stay safe this summer:

summer safety tips for dog in marina in Toronto

Keeping Pets Safe Outdoors

  • Pets should never ever be left in a car alone. Just do not do it. Please.
  • Clean, fresh water should always be accessible. Warmer temperatures cause water to evaporate more quickly, so check their water bowl more often.
  • If outside, pets need to have access to shade. Remember, just because a specific location is shady at 11 a.m., it does not mean it will be shady at 1 p.m.!
  • Protect your pets against fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and other pests.
cat looking out window in summer

Keeping Pets Safe Indoors

  • Again, ensure that clean, fresh, water should always be accessible.
  • If not air conditioned, homes should use fans and opened windows for circulation.
  • Open windows and doors should have screens to keep your pet from getting out without your knowledge. Strictly indoor kitties may be drawn to the breeze, but would not know how to survive on the street, so be extra vigilant with them.
grey cat lounging on car in the shade

Summer Safety for Cats

  • Know where your cat is before shutting doors to sheds, garages, car doors, etc. You would not want them to be trapped somewhere hot!
  • When possible, keep your kitty indoors during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). This helps to ensure that they will not get caught somewhere similar where you are not there to watch out for them.
golden doodle resting in the shade

Summer Safety for Dogs

  • Walk and exercise dogs in the morning and evening to avoid the full heat of the sun.
  • Check pavement with the back of your hand to determine if it’s too hot for dog paws. Burns hurt!
  • Carry extra water for long walks and/or particularly hot days.
  • Know the signs of when your dog is too hot and is in distress. Act quickly and take appropriate action.

Before you go…

Want to capture all the summer time fun with your pup and kitty? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!