Canine To Five’s Top 3 Summer Safety Tips

Canine To Five is all about safety. In fact, “We Are Safe” is one of our core values! So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that, when it comes to hot weather safety, our staff is trained to keep our four-legged friends comfortable, and to watch for signs of distress. Read on to learn how both our Pack Leaders and pet owners can keep their dogs safe this summer!

1. Pools & Sprinklers

Arguably the most fun way to keep cool in the summertime is to splash around in some hose water! Canine To Five is equipped with dog pools and sprinklers for pups who love to soak and play. Our Puppy Preschool Pack Leaders will even introduce these activities to our youngest pack members by offering treats and praise when present around the pool or sprinkler. If you’ve ever met a dog that is afraid of water, these are the steps taken to prevent that behavior!

2. Breed Specific Monitoring

We love and welcome all breeds at Canine To Five! We know that accepting all breeds means understanding all breeds, and our Pack Leaders are pros when it comes to identifying different dogs and their individual needs. Smushed faced dogs (AKA brachycephalic breeds) simply cannot withstand heat for very long and are susceptible to heat stroke. While we would love for them to play the day away with their friends outside, safety always comes first! Breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers are watched closely during hot days and may be placed inside early if our Pack Leaders feel they are getting too hot.

3. Air Conditioning & Thermometers

If our Pack Leaders suspect possible overheating or heat stroke, they will notify their Supervisor right away and have the dog removed from their playgroup. 

Signs of heat stroke are:

• Bright red tongue and gums
• Excessive panting and drooling
• Dazed or anxious demeanor
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures

Once removed from the playgroup, our Supervisors will secure an enclosure in our air conditioned space to help the dog cool down. Their temperature will be taken and monitored every 5 minutes until it reaches a normal reading of 101 – 102.5°F, at which time the pup can return to play while remaining closely monitored. If the dog’s temperature is above 104°F, our team will spring into action, contacting the Manager, the dog’s owner, and our local veterinarian for next steps.

In the event of an emergency, our team is trained to take dogs directly to the closest vet office. Depending on the Canine to Five location and time of day, these can include:

• Patterson Dog & Cat Hospital
• Jefferson Veterinary Center
• Affiliated Veterinary Emergency
• Blue Cross Animal Hospital
• Little Friends of Ferndale

Stay Safe & Have Fun!

Whether you have a dog that loves the summer sun, or dreads all things heat, keeping an eye on their behavior as the weather peaks is pivotal to their health and safety. Choosing a dog daycare that not only understands these signs, but has a plan of action for when they occur, can be a life saving decision.