☀️ Summer Safety Guide

Essential heat protection for your beloved Doodle

🚨 HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! 🚨

If you see these signs, seek vet care immediately:

Excess Panting • Discolored Gums • Mobility Issues

Don't wait - every minute counts in hot weather emergencies!

🌡️ Critical Summer Safety Tips

Protecting your Doodle from heat-related dangers

📋 Quick Reference Guide

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Doodle Summer Safety Infographic - Heat stroke warning signs and prevention tips

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🌡️

Heat Stroke Warning

Watch for these danger signs:

• Excessive panting that doesn't stop

• Discolored gums (bright red or pale)

• Difficulty moving or walking

• Drooling excessively

• Vomiting or diarrhea

ACTION: Move to shade, offer water, and call your vet immediately!

🏃‍♂️

Limit Exercise

Watch carefully so they do not over exert in the heat!

• Schedule walks for early morning or late evening

• Avoid midday sun (10am-4pm)

• Take frequent water breaks

• Let them rest in shade often

• Watch for heavy panting as a stop signal

🌳

Shade & Water

Always provide protection from the sun and keep them well hydrated

• Create shaded areas with umbrellas or tarps

• Fresh, cool water available at all times

• Add ice cubes to water bowls

• Consider cooling mats for resting

• Bring portable water on all outings

🛣️

Hot Asphalt Test

If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for their paws!

• Use the "7-second test" - hold your hand on pavement

• If you can't keep it there for 7 seconds, don't walk your dog

• Walk on grass when possible

• Consider protective booties

• Check paw pads after walks for burns

🚗

Never Leave in Cars

Don't leave your Doodle in the car, even with windows cracked

• Car temperatures can reach 120°F+ in minutes

• Even on 70°F days, cars become deadly

• Cracked windows don't provide enough cooling

• Leave them at home instead

• Use drive-throughs when you must bring them

🏊‍♂️

Water Activities

Safe water fun for cooling down

• Kiddie pools in the shade

• Sprinkler play (supervise always)

• Wet towels on their body

• Frozen treats and ice cubes

• Always supervise around water

⚠️ Heat Stress Warning Signs

Know what to watch for - early detection saves lives

🔍 What to Watch For

🫁

Breathing Changes

Heavy panting that doesn't stop, difficulty breathing, or gasping

👅

Gum Color

Bright red, dark red, or pale/white gums instead of healthy pink

🚶‍♂️

Movement Issues

Stumbling, weakness, inability to stand, or collapse

💧

Excessive Drooling

Thick, ropey saliva or drooling much more than normal

🤮

Digestive Upset

Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite

🌡️

Body Temperature

Body feels very hot to touch, especially ears and belly

🛡️ Prevention is Key

Simple steps to keep your Doodle safe and comfortable

✅ Your Summer Safety Checklist

  • Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day (before 10am, after 6pm)
  • Always carry fresh water and a portable bowl on outings
  • Test pavement temperature with your hand before walks
  • Create multiple shaded rest areas in your yard
  • Keep your Doodle's coat properly groomed (but don't shave completely)
  • Use cooling accessories like vests, mats, or bandanas
  • Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle - not even for "just a minute"
  • Watch for early warning signs during any outdoor activity
  • Have your vet's emergency contact information readily available
  • Consider indoor activities during extreme heat days

🏥 Emergency Preparedness

Keep these numbers handy during summer months:

• Your regular veterinarian's contact info

• Nearest emergency animal hospital

• Pet poison control hotline: (855) 764-7661

For immediate heat stroke:

Move to shade → Offer water → Cool with wet towels → Call vet immediately

📞 Pet Poison Control 🔍 Find Emergency Vet

💡 Pro Tip:

Save your vet's number in your phone contacts as "VET EMERGENCY" so you can find it quickly when stressed!

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