Dogs just make life better. After all, there is a reason they are called our best friend. Endlessly loyal and loving, doggies are truly some of the most special creatures on Earth. While they deserve all the love every single day, it’s nice to know there is a special date that is dedicated just to them, and that day is August 26: National Dog Day!

Of course, given the fact we are coincidentally also in the dog days of summer, if you’re planning to celebrate them on National Dog Day, you’ll also need to keep their safety top of mind too, especially when it comes to heat, humidity and the ultraviolet (UV) index.

These factors can have a huge impact on their health and well-being if they’re outside in the summer heat, so you’ll want to make sure they stay safe during their celebration. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to have fun with your pup on their special day without them getting too hot in the process.

To learn more about the best ways to celebrate National Dog Day and help your pet get all the fun and attention without overheating in the hot August weather, we spoke with Dr. Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM, a practicing veterinarian and surgeon with more than 35 years of experience, award-winning author, television medical correspondent, and host of the Doc Halligan’s Collars and Cents podcast.

Read on below to learn more about Dr. Halligan’s top recommendations for National Dog Day.

Why August 26 Requires Extra Caution for Your Dog

August 26 requires extra caution for your dog because it’s late summer, meaning that the humidity, UV index and heat levels may all be high. Make sure to check all of these numbers on your weather app before heading outdoors to make sure it’s safe for your pup to enjoy the fresh air.

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7 Heat-Safe Ways to Spoil Your Dog on National Dog Day

Below are seven fun celebratory activities recommended by Dr. Halligan for celebrating your pooch this National Dog Day.

1. Frozen lick mat or a stuffed Kong breakfast

“Spread xylitol-free peanut butter, mashed banana or a little low-sodium broth on a lick mat (or stuff a Kong), freeze overnight and serve in the morning,” Dr. Halligan recommends. “It occupies them, hydrates them and feels like a party.”

2. Indoor scent hunt or a snuffle mat game

“Hide a few of their regular kibble pieces or small training treats around a cool room and let them use their nose to find them,” Dr. Halligan says. “Sniffing and problem-solving provide wonderful mental stimulation without strenuous exercise.”

3. Plan a special adventure at the right time of day

“If your dog loves walks, celebrate during the coolest part of the day—dawn or dusk—instead of heading out in the afternoon heat,” Dr. Halligan says. “Stay in the shade when possible, and check the pavement before you go. If the pavement is too hot for your hand or bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Keep it short, stay on grass or dirt, and bring water.”

4. Water play

“If your dog enjoys water, a shallow kiddie pool or sprinkler in a shaded area can be a fun way to celebrate,” Dr. Halligan says. “Always supervise them, provide fresh drinking water and don’t assume that being wet means a dog can’t overheat.”

5. Cooling mat “spa” session

“Put a cooling mat or damp towel on a tile floor, turn on a fan or AC, and give your dog a gentle brushing, check their ears, look at their paws and nails, and give them plenty of attention and extra belly rubs,” Dr. Halligan recommends. “I love anything that combines bonding with a little preventive healthcare.”

6. A new puzzle or long-lasting chew

“A simple enrichment toy used in air conditioning is more festive than an hour of outdoor play in 85°F+ weather,” Dr. Halligan says. “Put part of your dog’s regular meal into a food puzzle or interactive toy, and let them work for it. Mental exercise is incredibly important for dogs, and you might be surprised by how tired they can be after using their brain.”

7. Teach them a new trick

“Spend 10 minutes in the air conditioning teaching ‘high five,’ ‘touch’ or another simple trick using positive reinforcement,” Dr. Halligan says. “Dogs love interacting with us, and learning something new exercises their brain rather than overheating their body.”

3 Summer Celebration Hazards to Avoid

We know you want to celebrate every moment of summer with your pup, but these three summer health hazards for dogs should be taken into consideration before any outdoor time. 

1. Strenuous activity during the hottest or most humid part of the day. “Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting, and heat plus humidity makes it more difficult for them to dissipate that heat,” Dr. Halligan says. “Fetch can be particularly deceptive because an excited dog may keep chasing the ball long after they should have stopped. Brachycephalic dogs such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs, as well as overweight, elderly and thick-coated dogs, require extra caution.”
2. Hot pavement and unshaded patios or parking lots. “When air temperature is 87°F, asphalt can reach 140°F+ and burn paw pads in seconds,” Dr. Halligan warns. “Celebration photos on a sunny sidewalk are not worth the injury. Move the celebration to grass or shade, or wait until the surface has cooled.”
3. The just-for-a-minute parked car. “Even with windows cracked, interior temperature can climb 40°F in an hour,” Dr. Halligan says. “On [an] 80°F day, the cabin can exceed 120°F. This remains one of the most common causes of fatal heatstroke I see.”

Related: Crucial Signs of Heatstroke in Pets Every Owner Needs to Know by Heart

How to Spot the Early Signs of Canine Heatstroke

“One of the most important things dog owners can learn is what overheating looks like before their dog collapses,” Dr. Halligan says.

Early warning signs of heatstroke in dogs may include:

• Heavy or excessive panting that doesn’t settle down
• Excessive drooling
• Suddenly seeking shade or trying to stop
• Restlessness or whining
• Reluctance to continue playing or walking
• Weakness or unusual lethargy
• Changes in gum color
• Vomiting or diarrhea as the condition progresses
• Acting confused, unsteady or “not quite right”

Dr. Halligan says it’s vital to not wait until it gets worse; heatstroke can progress faster than you even realize. Luckily, if you suspect heatstroke, there are quick steps you can take.

“Stop the activity, move the dog into air conditioning or shade, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact a veterinarian immediately, as time is of the essence,” Dr. Halligan recommends. “Difficulty breathing, weakness, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or collapse should be treated as an emergency. Heatstroke can progress rapidly and cause serious organ damage. The best treatment is prevention. Celebrate your dog without asking their body to fight the heat.”

Source:

• Dr. Karen “Doc” Halligan, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and surgeon with more than 35 years of experience, award-winning author, television medical correspondent, and host of the Doc Halligan’s Collars and Cents podcast.