It’s the dog days of summer and while it’s a great time to enjoy the weather, the great outdoors can also be a dangerous for your pup.
One major issue is heat. Like humans, dogs can overheat but with fur, the inability to cool off as effectively as people and certain breeds naturally not cut out for the hot weather, it can be exacerbated.
For instance, if an owner leaves a dog inside a car on a 78-degree day, the interior temperature can increase to between 100 and 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. On a 90-degree day, it can get as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes, according to findings. Pups (well any animal) may suffer from brain damage or even die from heatstroke in 15 minutes.
Related: How to Help Your Dog Survive Allergy Season (Infographic)
Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward set out to bring attention to just how dangerous it is to leave dogs inside cars with a YouTube video that has gone viral (to date it has more than 2.1 million views)
But it isn’t just heat. Being outside can also increase the risk of other dangers. As dog owners, we need to cognizant of these issues and take steps to protect our pets.
Below is an infographic by the ASPCA that lays out some simple tips to ensure our dogs have a fun and safe summer.
Image via Flickr
