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Summertime is full of fun things to do, but it can also turn into a dangerous time for your pets. Dogs don't perspire to cool themselves like people do, so their body temperature can quickly rise to critical levels in the hot weather. Here are some do's and don'ts for summertime fun.
Do's & Don't Tips in Keeping Your German Shepherd Cool
Don't give your German shepherd a haircut. Seriously, don't. It does not keep them cooler at all, in fact it makes them more susceptible to the heat and sunburn by taking away their outer coat which protects their delicate skin. Cutting their fur will also permanently damage it and it will grow back sparse, patchy, fuzzy and unmanageable. Instead, do keep them brushed and combed out. The undercoat (the part that sheds naturally anyway) should be brushed and combed out regularly to allow optimal air flow to the skin so they can stay comfortable and help regulate their body temperature.
Do make sure you have shade available at all times. Walking or playing in the sun can overheat a dog really quickly, especially our German shepherds whose upper half is black. That dark pigment absorbs the sunlight and can make them hot rapidly. Also be mindful of the ground temperature and avoid walks on concrete or especially blacktop during the heat of the day. You can check the temperature of the ground with the back of your hand, if it's uncomfortable for you, it's not fair to subject your pup to it.
Do keep cool fresh water available at all times. It is of utmost importance for your German shepherd to stay hydrated when out in the heat. A lot of them enjoy playing and splashing in a plastic children's wading pool- those are definitely popular here with our dogs. Be sure the pool and their drinking water are also in the shade under a tree or deck- the water can become terribly hot if left in the sun which takes every bit of the fun and benefit out of it.
Do limit your time outside. Dogs often don't have the common sense to realize when they are overheating and young puppies, and elderly dogs are even more sensitive to the heat. They love nothing more than being with you and making you happy, so Fido is very likely to contiune playing ball with you well into the stages of overheating himself, without realizing what's happening until it's too late. It is also important to consider that while we are standing in the shade, throwing the ball, your pup is the one running full tilt like a madman through the sun across the yard retrieving it, so he is going to get hotter faster than we may feel. This can be an extremely dangerous, and even deadly situation, so it is up to us to be proactive for their safety. If your dog is panting heavily, get him inside to an air conditioned area immediately. Give him small amounts of cool, but not ice cold, water, or unflavored Pedialyte, to drink, and let him relax. Gulping too much water too fast can lead to other problems, so small amounts frequently are better than a lot at once. If you suspect that your dog may be heading in to heat exhaustion, get to a veterinarian immediately. You can wipe rubbing alcohol on their paw pads and tummy to help lower their body temperature while you are on the way (don't let them ingest this), but heatstroke is a deadly condition and nothing suggested here is a substitute for emergency veterinary care if you suspect your dog may be having a problem.
Do try indoor alternatives for playtime. It can be tricky to safely get enough exercise for your energetic pup when the weather is nasty, but there are some indoor games you can play which are fun and safer for everyone. Hide and seek can be fun for kids and dogs alike- have the kid hide and the pup has to find them. also hiding treats around the house and having your dog sniff them out can help keep them busy and their mind occupied. You can also take Kong toys and stuff with peanut butter or whole plain yogurt, and freeze, for a fun and refreshing "doggy popsicle" to keep them occupied while resting in their crate.
With a little extra caution and care, you and your dog can have lots of wonderful summer fun together, while staying safe and happy. Hope everyone has an excellent summer!