Royal Flush Havanese's 10 Tips For The Dog Days of Summer

FORT MYERS, Fla., Aug. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A giant heat wave has been covering much of the United States lately. Most people know how to keep themselves cool in the summer heat, but what about their pooch? Read on to learn the best 10 tips from Royal Flush Havanese for keeping Fido safe and comfortable in the heat.
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1. Stay off hot pavement and sand.
   Some surfaces absorb heat much more quickly than others, causing damage to your pup's feet. Two such surfaces are pavement and sand. When taking your dog for a walk, use the seven second rule- if you can't hold the back of your hand down on the ground for seven seconds without it hurting, it's too hot for your dog to walk on.
2. Find inventive ways to keep Fido hydrated.
   One of the most important things to do in the heat is keep your pup hydrated. However, sometimes dogs just don't drink enough water. Find inventive ways to give them liquids such as making ice cubes and adding all-natural chicken broth (without any additives) or other treats, or letting them play in a sprinkler.
3. Invest in a cooling pad.
   If you don't have air conditioning, or there aren't many cool surfaces in your home, investing in a cooling pad might be the perfect solution for your pup. It's like a doggy bed, but automatically begins cooling once weight is applied, keeping your pup comfy for hours. 
4. Stick to shorter, more frequent walks.
   In the heat, is can be difficult for you or your dog to stay outdoors for any length of time. Therefore, instead of bringing Fido for one long walk, stick to frequent, shorter walks. Even better, limit walks to early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun isn't as strong.
5. Know the symptoms of heatstroke.
   Heatstroke can be deadly for a pup, and it can strike at any point in the summer. Be prepared and know the symptoms of heatstroke, which include panting, excessive drooling, increased body temperature, extremely red gums, rapid heart rate, vomiting blood, and muscle tremors. 
6. Go to the groomer for a summer 'do.
   Keep your pup much more comfortable in the summer heat by taking him or her to the groomer for a summer haircut. However, keep their coats an inch or longer, as anything shorter can result in a sunburn.
7. Keep your canine at home when you go out.
   If it's uncomfortable for you to be outdoors, it's uncomfortable for your dog, too. Fido is much better off sleeping at home than traipsing around to the beach or restaurant with you.
8. And whatever you do, don't leave them in a hot car!
   One of the most common and potentially catastrophic mistakes a dog owner can make is leaving their dog in the car during a hot day. Regardless of whether the windows are left down, a car can heat up just like the inside of an oven. If the outside temperature is 85°, the inside of a car can heat up to 120° in only 30 minutes! Additionally, dogs do not sweat like people, making it even more difficult for them to regulate their body temperature.
9. If your pup is going to be outside, be sure to apply canine sunscreen.
   If you must take your pup for a walk in the hot weather, be sure to apply some canine sunscreen on areas that are exposed to the sun. However, make sure the sunscreen is meant for dogs, not people. Zinc oxide is toxic to canines, and should never be applied to their skin.
10. Be mindful of your pup's breed.
    Understanding your dog's energy levels and breed history can go a long way to keeping them safe in the summer. Will they tire themselves out too easily? Can they tolerate lying out in the sun? Dogs with short noses and geriatric dogs are most susceptible to heatstroke, and small dogs can find it difficult to regulate their body temperatures when swimming or in the sun.

Royal Flush Havanese is a BBB accredited business specializing in breeding and raising Havanese puppies born and raised in Rhode Island and Florida. Royal Flush Havanese has been awarded a Certificate of No Complaints from the BBB and a company rating of A+ for outstanding dedication to honesty in the business place, customer satisfaction, and for ethical policies and procedures. Please join them in their quest to teach others about the loyal, gentle and lovable Havanese breed. Find them on LinkedIn and Twitter, and be sure to read the reviews from their many satisfied customers. 

Contact: Holly Mastroianni, 1-401-3643371, [email protected]

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