It’s the dog days of summer, and while the warm weather is a great opportunity to go outside and play with your dachshund, there are also a number of risks. Hot weather can be dangerous to pets, but if you practice some of these safety tips, you can continue to have your fun in the sun.
NEVER leave your dog in a parked vehicle
No, not even for a moment. Every time you leave your vehicle, your dachshund should come with you. Whether it’s parked in the shade or in direct sunlight, a vehicle can warm up quickly, to almost 160 degrees on a 78-degree day. And all it will take is a few minutes in those conditions for your dog to develop heat stroke and suffocate. So either leave your pet at home, or take them with you every time you exit your vehicle.
Stay safe around the pools
Dachshunds are small dogs with short legs—this doesn’t make them very good swimmers. That’s not to say that your dachshund can’t swim, but they’ll have a harder time than other dogs. If your dog loves the pool, however, keep an eye on them at all times, and always keep them in the shallow-end.
Give them water frequently
Inside and outdoors, make sure your dachshund has easy access to cool (not cold) water at all times. This will keep them well-hydrated, especially if they’re playing around outside on a hot day.
Know the symptoms of overheating/heatstroke
Dachshunds can tolerate heat better than most dogs, but even they can succumb to it eventually. So watch out for all of the signs of symptoms of overheating. These include:
- Panting or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Drooling
- Mild weakness
- Stupor or collapse
If your dachshund shows any of these symptoms, take them inside immediately to a cool room with cool water. In extreme cases, you should take them to a veterinarian immediately.
If you follow these tips, your dachshund will have both a fun and safe summer. And if you’re thinking about getting a new dachshund, then take a look at some of the puppies we have here at Patti’s Dachshund Farm. All of our puppies are looking for a new owner who will take them on a brand-new adventure this summer. So give us a call today at 334-385-2600 to learn more!