Help Your Dog Beat Summer's Heat From Iams™

The old saying "the dog days of summer" wasn't coined for nothing.
The phrase actually stems from the stars, as Sirius, the "Dog Star," rises in conjunction with the sun between July and August. Some of our ancestors believed that the brightness of the sun and star combined to cause summer's extreme heat. Over the years, however, we've come to use the expression for sweltering days that aren't fit for any dog.

The truth is that dogs are more susceptible to the summer heat than we are. They have to wear a fur coat all year round. Whereas we can sweat to cool ourselves down, our pups sweat only through glands on the nose and paws and try to release heat by panting. "They can't cool themselves off like humans," says Kelly Connolly, an issues specialist with the Human Society of the United States. "They can't roll down the windows of a car or turn on the air conditioning. It's up to humans to make sure that their dogs are comfortable enough and that they can live healthily in the summer heat."

As global warming brings more extreme temperatures to all corners of the planet, it's important for pet owners to do what they can to keep their furry friends cool and recognize signs of discomfort. Veterinarians say signs of overheating include panting hard. But heat stroke symptoms can include a staggered gait, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, restlessness, vomiting and a darkening of the gums and tongue. If your dog's bodily temperature rises above the normal range of up to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be time to take the dog to a veterinarian or animal hospital, says April Guest, DVM, of the Meyerland Animal Clinic, near Houston.

Summer Don’ts

There are several summer hazards pet owners should be aware of. Here are five things you should never do with your dog:

Don't leave your dog in a parked car Even with the window cracked, temperatures can rise up to 30 degrees in the space of a few minutes, says Connolly. "Pets are in danger of heat stroke when the indoor temperature reaches 110 degrees," she says. "Even when it's 70 degrees outside, it is going to be suffocating in a quick amount of time in that car."

Don't tie your dog up outside in the blazing sun Our canine pals need an escape during sunny summer months, so if you plan to let your pet outside, make sure that it can find shelter under a tree shade, a porch or other structure. The heat is not only a danger to your dog, but your pet can also become sunburned if it’s a thin-coated or wire-haired breed.

Don't put sunscreen made for humans on your pooch Chemicals in some sunscreens can be harmful if pets ingest them, says Dr. Guest. What dog won't try to lick off the gooey white substance if given the option? Pet stores sell sunscreens formulated especially for dogs.

Don't exercise your pup under the midday sun Chasing sticks or a Frisbee, or even a long walk, can put extra strain on a dog during peak sun times. "The heat of the day can take a toll particularly on dogs who are overweight, older or who have certain diseases," Dr. Guest says.

Don't walk your dog on asphalt unless you test the temperature A dog's paw pads are susceptible to burns, says Elaine Acker, CEO of Pets America, a nonprofit animal rescue organization. "Slip off your shoes and stand on the pavement with bare feet first," she advises. "If it's not comfortable for you, it's not going to be comfortable for your dog either."