Hello everyone, CEO Olivia reporting. It’s been an unusually hot & humid summer here at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs. So today I thought I’d remind everyone some important hot weather rules for good dogs. They may seem obvious but every summer tragedy happens because a rule wasn’t followed.

1. Never leave a dog in a car. It can become an oven in less than two minutes, even with a window cracked open. Leave your good dog at home.
2. The sidewalk test. Put your hand or bare foot on the sidewalk before you head off on a walk. Count to 10. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your good dog’s pads. Try to walk on grass or trails.
3. Never leave a good dog outside for a prolonged period of time with out adequate shade & cool water. Best leave a good dog indoors on hot, humid days.
4. Limit your good dogs water play time. That may sound wrong but dogs can suffer water intoxication ( it’s called hyponatremia) from ingesting too much water. Symptoms include loss of coordination. lethargy, bloat, vomiting, glazed eyes, excessive drooling, difficult breathing & in worst cases seizures or comma. It can be fatal.
5. Check for ticks. They are even in larger city parks now. After a walk, check your good dog for unwelcome passengers. Look especially in the ears, under the throat & between the toes. Pet stores & vet’s have tick remover tools. Maybe have one in the house. Sniff out this video on how to use one. Never squeeze the tick, gently pull it out. You should consult your vet & test for Lyme disease if you do find a tick attached to your good dog.
6. Allergies can be a problem in the summer months. Good dogs can have reactions just like you humans. There are allergy medications available but consult with your vet, it’s important to know what allergy medications are safe for your good dog. We have an earlier article on that subject. You can paw here to sniff it out.
7. Keep an eye on your good dog on really hot days, especially if it’s a senior good dog or one who is on medication, like myself. They might not cope with the heat as well as other dogs.

There are many other things I’m sure I haven’t thought of, feel free to add to the list. Just remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your good dog.

CEO Olivia ❤