Taking your Golden in the car can be a quick and convenient way to get your friendly pooch to the activities and events they love. No Golden Retriever would go without their post-walkies Pup Cup.
Though most passengers would adore your Golden on public transport, there’s no guarantee there’ll be enough space for your Retriever to travel comfortably.
So, car it is. However, as the summer months roll in, concerns grow about the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles. So, want to know how to tell if your Golden is feeling too hot inside the car? Let’s look at the subtle signs:
How do you know if your Golden is feeling too hot inside the car
There are several obvious signs of heat exhaustion in any dog. Your Golden Retriever will pant more excessively than usual, for example. They may also drool more, leaving trails on your window.
Your Golden will have an elevated body temperature, too, meaning they feel hotter than usual. They may also stumble, seem disoriented, confused, or unresponsive to your calling.
More subtle signs that your Golden Retriever has extreme heat exhaustion include a fast heart rate or pulse and changes to your Golden’s tongue and gum color – they may turn a dark or bright red.
What should I do if my Golden Retriever is overheated?
So, how can you help your Golden Retriever if they start showing some of these signs? How can you allow them cool down?
First of all, when it’s hot outside, get your Golden Retriever inside. Bring them into a cool room or load them into your back seat and crank up the air conditioning. Then, if you have any to hand, use some wet, cool cloths, towels, or wipes to rub your Golden’s neck, armpits, and behind their hind legs. Wetting your Golden Retriever’s paws and ears will also help.
Of course, offer your Golden Retriever some cool water if you have any. Don’t force them to drink, though – wait until they are ready. Call your vet right away if your Golden Retriever does not recover quickly or becomes unconscious.
Health issues for your pup when the weather is too hot
Walking your Golden Retriever puppy frequently is essential for their health. It gives them a chance to get socialization with other dogs and stimulation from the scents and sounds of their surroundings. Still, walking also provides your Golden Retriever pooch with an essential bathroom break – something they often need as a small young dog.
But as the weather hots up, there are undoubtedly some risks associated with walking your puppy. You’ve probably noticed how warm concrete sidewalks can get, for example. Imagine what this is like for your Golden pup! Even if you avoid concrete in direct sunlight, sidewalks can still be too warm for a puppy until quite late in the day.
So, maybe you load your Golden puppy into the car to find a walking route that beats the heat. But there are risks associated with this, too.
You probably crank up the air conditioning as soon as you step in. But if your pooch is in the trunk or back seat, be aware that they may not get much of that blast of cooling air.
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you use a crate to keep your Golden Retriever puppy safe as you get from A to B, covering it with a blanket or coat can go a long way in cooling your pup down. Why? Well, a covering will prevent the sun from reaching your Golden.
In the summertime, you probably look for different dog-walking routes that are shadier and shorter. Maybe you even pick a place where your golden can have a dip at the end!
But have you considered the route’s intensity? Even if leafy trees keep you cool, an uphill walk can be a real battle in the warmer months. Why not look for somewhere flatter?
Health issues for your pup when the weather is too cold
When the summer passes, and we turn into winter, you and your pup will probably look forward to cooler, less risky strolls! But unfortunately, there are a few challenges around in the winter that you should be aware of.
Just like in summer, you should keep an eye on the sidewalks. Frost and snow on smooth surfaces are a slipping hazard and can also cause frostbite on bare paws. Even salt used to make surfaces more walkable isn’t much better – its acidity can significantly irritate your Golden pup’s skin.
Consider using doggy booties in the cold months to avoid all these hazards. They can be difficult to get on, but they’ll protect your Golden dog’s feet from the extreme temperatures and other hazards.
Or, if your Golden Retriever won’t tolerate wearing things, use a paw balm. These balms provide a protective coating and even help to moisturize your pooch’s paws, too!
They are typically natural, meaning you don’t have to worry if they’re licked off. This protective balm is helpful in the summer months, too. Be sure to wipe off the sticky balm with lukewarm water when you come inside.
And then there’s the darkness that comes with winter. The sun can set before you know it, so always head out with some kind of light on your person. This could be your smartphone, a light-up collar or dog tag, a torch, an LED walking strap – anything bright.
Reflective materials are also excellent – they can never run out of charge and don’t stop working unless they get very muddy. Use a reflective leash or collar with your Golden Retriever pup, or make sure you wear reflective clothing. Even attaching reflective stickers to your leash or coat can greatly aid traffic in spotting you.
Anywhere below 50°F is too cold for your Golden Retriever pup. On days like these, keep your Golden Retriever pup active by playing fetch in the hallway, running up and down a soft staircase, chasing them around your home, or playing hide and seek with their kibble and toys.
You could even practice agility or obedience together or join an indoor class near you if one is available!
