Unlike humans, dogs can only cool themselves by panting and a little sweating through the footpads. Knowing the early signs of heat exhaustion and keeping pets safe from the summer heat can help save their lives when temperatures get high.
Summer is almost here.
The flowers are blooming, the lawn is growing at record pace and my house is filled with gobs of shedded dog and cat fur. Since most Border collies have thick, dense coats and are black through the back, warm weather and excessive sun can drain the life out of an athletic dog. Even when the temperature doesn't seem overly hot to two-legged beings, to dogs like Dale, the temperature can feel much higher. Dale, like many dogs, lives to be outdoors and for his daily walk. No matter how hot the temperature is outdoors, Dale would rather suffer heat stroke than miss his favorite time of the day.