With the blazing summer months just around the corner, it’s time to think about our Yorkie Fur Babies and how we can keep them cool & comfortable. Even though they may be small, these furry children like us can get overheated. Here are thirteen pointers to help your Yorkie stay as cool as a cucumber, happy and healthy throughout the scorching summer season.
Key Takeaways
| Summer Care Aspect | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Exercise Routine | Adjust timing, ensure hydration, and recognize heat stress symptoms. |
| Heat Stress Indicators | Rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums, disoriented behavior. |
| Indoor Space Reevaluation | Check sunlight exposure, ensure proper ventilation and air conditioning. |
| Sun Protection | Use dog-specific sunscreen, protect paws with wax or shoes, and avoid hot surfaces. |
| Frozen Treats | Offer frozen fruits or flavored ice cubes for a cool refreshment. |
1. Adjust your Yorkie’s exercise program for the summer
Regular exercise is crucial for your health and well-being and should not be neglected because it’s summer.
The advantages of regular exercise are many and varied, including improved cardiovascular health, excellent muscle maintenance, lowered risk of illness (such as canine diabetes), enhanced joint function, reduced arthritis, a more efficient metabolism, more efficient digestion, and a positive outlet for pent-up energy.
Here are four tips you can do to make summer exercise safe:
- Plan your strolls during cooler times of the day, preferably before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., to escape the sun’s hottest rays.
- Reevaluate the path you plan to take. Surfaces on the path may become too hot to walk on, and being out in the sun may get tiring if there is little shade along the way. If feasible, move to a route that gives more shade and keeps to grassy areas. Also, be cautious about safeguarding the paws.
- Carry along water. Every 15 to 20 minutes, give your Yorkie a chance to relax in a shaded spot and rehydrate. This Dog Water Bottle is a convenient option since its lid doubles as a bowl for your dog on the go; it’s the ideal size (12 oz) and comes in various colors.
- Recognize the warning symptoms of heat stress to prevent it from progressing to heat stroke.
Maggie enjoying the sunshine. Photo Credit: Karen Hawes
2. How can you tell if a dog is stressed in heat?
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke may develop rapidly. Dehydration may play a role, although heat and exercise are the most common causes.
- A healthy dog’s internal temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When that temperature reaches a dangerous 103 degrees Fahrenheit, it causes heat stress (39.44 C). When the core body temperature rises to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or above, heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that may develop rapidly if ignored.
- Breathing rapidly, drooling excessively, having bright red gums, being sick, and urinating less often are all symptoms.
- The inability to cool down may lead to disoriented behavior, gait abnormalities, and an irregular heart rate in a dog. Untreated, it rapidly worsens into a coma and then death due to organ failure.
What you should do:
- If your Yorkie is overheating, immediately get them into air conditioning and cover their body with moist hand towels. Keep the air moving about them with the help of fans.
- Don’t leave your Yorkie in the hot sun if you’re going to be away for a while. Apply water to their bodies as though they were inside. Don’t worry about using the best tools if you don’t have any little towels or rags (use any piece of your clothing will do). This is why giving your Yorkshire Terrier plenty of water is essential whenever you take them outdoors.
The standard recommendation among veterinarians is to bring a dog in for an exam once its temp has dropped to around 103 degrees Fahrenheit. It would be best if you thus practiced taking your Yorkie’s temperature. It is advised to utilize an electronic baby rectal thermometer. After applying some petroleum jelly on end, this may be inserted about halfway into the anus.
Avoid exercising your Yorkie during midday, have your Yorkshire terrier take a short break every fifteen to twenty minutes to relax in the shadows and have a cold drink, provide enough water throughout the day, and employ techniques for keeping your Yorkie cool to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
3. Reevaluate interior spaces
It’s crucial to note where your Yorkie spends most of its time during the warmer months.
Sunlight
Take a look at how much light there is. Although good the rest of the year, certain places are not ideal during the summer. The sun’s rays come at a much higher angle in the summer than in winter. Thus, the amount of sunlight that enters your house via the windows will change accordingly. With increased daylight hours, your Yorkie’s favorite resting or playing location may suddenly be bathed in harsh sunshine.
Since it isn’t always straightforward, your full attention is required. You may not know what your Yorkie’s allocated space looks like during the week if you don’t put them there on the weekends when they’re alone.
Ventilation & Airconditioning
Have a look at the ventilation and air conditioning. It’s great that you’ve got air conditioning, but if your Yorkie has to spend the day with his back to the vents, he’ll be in a lot of pain. Make sure that their sleeping quarters are far away from any air ducts.
4. Create a Mini Oasis
Photo Credit: Brenda Hawkins
Listen up, mates! Hold your horses if you’re considering getting a massive pool for your pint-sized Yorkie! A kiddie pool can do the trick just fine. Your little buddy can splash around, dip, or just lounge in the cool water like a boss. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and keep your fur baby from feeling like they’re melting like an ice cream cone in the sun!
5. Buy a dog cooling pad!
The Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat. Measuring 23″ x 35″, this solid gel pad is perfect for kennels, crates, and beds, providing a relaxed and comfortable spot for your furry friend to rest. The mat is non-toxic, durable, and requires no refrigeration or electricity – just let your pup plop down and relax in blissful coolness.
6. Consider a Pet Carrier
Consider taking a ride rather than forcing your Yorkie to walk in the blazing heat if you intend to take them for a stroll. A pet stroller may rescue the day by protecting your pet from the sun and allowing it to go wherever you go.
Or, you may wear a sling or bag over one hip and let your Yorkie travel in comfort and style there.
7. Frozen Treats for Your Yorkie to Beat the Heat
Nothing beats a cool, refreshing frozen treat when the temperature outside is climbing. To preserve them for later use, fresh fruit may be frozen. Raspberries, Blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon are all fruit that may be given to a dog without fear of illness.
The Yorkie may also enjoy a nutritious and tasty treat in the form of flavored ice cubes. Mix equal parts of water plus fruit juice for this. Avoid the use of any flavorings that were not naturally occurring.
8. Protect Your Yorkie from the Sun’s Harmful UV Radiation
Strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun may cause a variety of issues, including:
- Sunburns. This condition appears most often in short-coated Yorkies who have been exposed to intense sunlight (UV index 8+).
- Dry coat and skin. Dry or itchy skin and a dry, brittle coat are the most common symptoms of prolonged exposure to the summer sun.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is a kind of skin cancer in dogs, and it is linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.
Some Yorkie owners want to prevent their dogs from being born with the atheistic trait of black spots on the belly.
Apply dog-specific sunscreen
Avoid using human sunscreen since it often contains zinc, which harms dogs. The only pet sunscreen approved by the FDA is Epi-Pet Sun Protection Spray for Pets, which comes highly recommended. It has a 35 SPF and works well, feeling like a luxurious leave-in conditioner.
You should put this on 20 minutes before leaving the house if you plan on being gone for longer than that amount of time.
9. Protect Your Yorkie’s Nose
Sunlight is good for the dog’s nose. For example, the black pigmentation on a Yorkie’s snout might fade if the dog is not exposed to enough sunshine. This condition, known as “winter nose” in dogs, is more common in the colder months when pets are more commonly confined indoors.
Nevertheless, overexposure to sunlight may have undesirable effects, including drying, peeling, and cracking. This is because, in contrast to other body parts with five skin layers, a dog’s nose only has three layers and is thus more susceptible to the impacts of the hot sun. If you think your nose is dry, use a good balm or butter. The Soother from Natural Dog Company is ideal for this purpose.
10. Protect Your Yorkies Paws in Summer
How do I protect my dog’s paws from the hot ground?
Knowing what might occur to a Yorkie’s paws while treading on hot surfaces is perhaps the most critical thing you can do in the summer. Here is what you need to know:
- Any temperature beyond 125 degrees Fahrenheit is painful for a dog’s paws.
- Very seldom does the temperature of the air coincide with that of the ground you’re walking on. In direct sunlight, even a 77-degree day may cause temperatures on sidewalks and roads to soar to 125 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
- Pavement may reach temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit on an 87-degree July day.
- In a summer temperature test, cement reached 125 degrees Fahrenheit by midday, red brick touched 134 degrees by 2 p.m., and tarmac reached 130 degrees by 2 p.m., with a peak of a terrifying 140 degrees.
There may be long-term consequences even in the absence of immediate burns.
Three suggestions may be of assistance:
Do tests on the flooring. Your Yorkie shouldn’t step on the pavement if you don’t keep your hand there for five seconds.
Try a paw wax. Waxing a Yorkie’s paws won’t make them indestructible but will provide various benefits. Wax may help dogs in several ways, including protecting their paws from hard surfaces, reducing the effects of allergies and other irritants (such as road salt and lawn care chemicals), keeping their feet wet, and increasing their skin grip.
We advise using Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax, a high-quality wax that absorbs rapidly and is excellent for treating wounds, dryness, and peeling on the paws. Once a week, it would be best if you gave yourself a massage for this.
While shoes may be of great assistance in this respect, it is sad that this is not the solution for the majority of dogs since they are resistant to having them put on, they have difficulty walking while wearing them, the majority of shoes are designed for the colder months and are thus cumbersome and stuffy, and it can be challenging to locate shoes that are tiny enough for this breed of toy dog. If you buy shoes for your kid, it’s best to do it in person to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, caring for your Yorkie during the hot summer months is critical to ensuring their health, happiness, and well-being. These ten tips can help your furry friend stay cool, comfortable, and safe. From providing plenty of fresh water and shade to avoiding long walks during the hottest parts of the day and protecting their paws and skin from the sun’s harmful rays, there are many steps you can take to keep your Yorkie cool as a cucumber.
Remember to keep a close eye on your pup for signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration, and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. With some care and attention, you can help your Yorkie enjoy the summer months to the fullest, without any negative health consequences.
FAQs
What are the signs of heat stress in dogs?
Rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums, altered behavior, and irregular heart rate.
How can I protect my Yorkie’s paws during summer?
Avoid hot surfaces, apply paw wax, or use protective shoes for outdoor walks.
What precautions should be taken during outdoor exercise in summer?
Exercise during cooler times, keep walks shaded, carry water, and be aware of heat stress symptoms.
How can indoor spaces be adjusted for summer comfort?
Evaluate sunlight exposure, ensure good ventilation, and keep away from direct air conditioning vents.
What are some fun ways to keep my Yorkie cool in summer?
Create a mini oasis with a kiddie pool, provide frozen treats, or consider a cooling pad for relaxation.
As a lifelong dog lover, I fell in love with Yorkies for their spunky personalities, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.
As a dedicated Yorkie owner, I have spent years learning about the breed and how to provide the best possible care for them. From finding the proper diet to exercise, and so much more! I take every aspect of my Yorkie’s life seriously.
In addition to being a loving dog parent, I’m an avid blogger, sharing my experiences and insights on all things Yorkie-related. From training tips to grooming advice, Yorkieclothing.com is a go-to resource for other Yorkie owners worldwide.
