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Any day now, the sunny hot summer weather will be here. For many, the sunshine will be a welcome break from the rain. But remember how the hot weather can affect your pups and keep a lookout for their safety. Here are some hot weather tips to remember:
 Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car, not even for just a minute. Cars are like "greenhouses on wheels" that, within minutes, become the hottest places most humans will ever experience. Read more about why and how cars heat up so fast here. The temperature a parked car reaches in the sun depends on a number of factors. But you can expect your car to heat to about 100 degrees within 10 minutes when it is only 80 degrees outside. Rolling down the windows a crack, or even more, has surprisingly little effect on the temperature inside. Don't believe it? Take a few minutes on a sunny day to sit in the car and relax. Roll down the windows a couple of inches and see how long it takes for you to feel uncomfortable. Convinced? Take a look at the ASPCA's suggestions on what to do if you see a dog in a hot car.
Pavement also reaches dangerous temperatures quickly on sunny days. If the air temperature is 77 degrees, expect the pavement to be a paw burning 125 degrees. So before you make your dog walk on it, feel it with your hand for at least ten seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it will be uncomfortable for your dog. Also watch for your dog lifting paws - that's a sign he is not comfortable and he needs to move now. Learn more about hot pavement here and consider training your pup to wear protective boots if you're going to be walking on paved surfaces.
Remember that greyhounds are sensitive to both heat and cold because they lack insulating fat.  Please only exercise your greyhound when the air temperature is under 80 degrees. Shoot for the cooler morning or evening hours. Keep your walks short, walk where there is plenty of shade, or incorporate water related activities in your exercise routine. For that dressed up, cool dog look, you might also invest in a good cooling coat or cooling collar.
And speaking of water, make sure your pup always has access to plenty of fresh, clean water at home and on the go. Keep a collapsible bowl and a spare bottle of water just for your pup in the car. When walking with your dog, carry enough water for both of you and stop in the shade to offer it to your dog often. Cool water is best. Ice cold water can shock the dog's system causing vomiting or other health concerns.
 When you're away from home, leave the air conditioning on for the comfort of your pup and make sure your pup can get inside to enjoy it. Fans are less effective for dogs than humans because dogs cool primarily by panting rather than sweating. A well insulated, built-in dog door can help keep the costs down. Dogs dig to get cool, so maybe cut you diggers a little slack in the hot months. See if you can provide more shade or a kiddy pool for outdoor cooling.
Homemade Frosty Paws are a welcome hot weather treat too!
Even if you take all precautions, be diligent in watching for heatstroke. Signs include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, and a deep red/purple tongue. If you see any of these signs, move your pet to shade or air-conditioning. Apply cold towels to the dog's head, neck, and chest, offer water, and immediately seek veterinarian assistance.
Stay hot weather safe and have a greyt summer, Everyone!
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