Those of us that have lived in the South most or all of our lives understand the word humidity and all of the consequences surrounding it. Those that are new to the Summerville area will be needing a crash course on how to handle our summers for you and your pets.

How is SC humidity different than other states?

Our humidity is higher than most areas and last all of the summer and actually most of the year. It not only makes the air feel thicker but also makes the temperature higher. We unknowingly over exert ourselves outdoors due to this. It plays a big part in your pet’s ability to go on long walks or play fetch. Dogs with snub noses like Boxers, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, or Frenchie’s, need limited time outdoors during the summer months due to their lack of ability to handle regulating their body temperatures. The added humidity on top of the higher temperatures can quickly cause heat exhaustion for you and your pet.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?

Signs of stress from the heat include, simple signs such as trying to find shade, preferring sitting or lying down, restlessness, excessive panting, drooling or even throwing up. These symptoms need immediate attention.

What Ways Can I Avoid Heat Exhaustion for my Pet?

Take walks and play ball early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their lowest. You can also buy cooling collars for your pet. Cold water, cooling collars placed around your dog’s neck helps keep their temperature down. Frequent breaks in the shade with small amounts of cool water are a must. Don’t let them drink too much at once so they don’t boat or throw up due to the heat.

What to do it You See Signs of Heat Exhaustion?

Seek air conditioning if close by or a shaded area. Offer cool water, cooling collar or wet towel on neck and back, while keeping them still to help lower body temperature. If you have a larger towel or cooling mat, wet it with cool water and have them lay on that as well. These steps, if taken quickly, will prevent Heat Stoke. Watch for confusion, excessive drooling, red, blue or purple gums, or seizures. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Grooming Tips that Help with South Carolina Humidity.

• Prevent Overheating: Removing excess undercoat, hair, and mats allows better air circulation to the skin, helping your pet regulate their body temperature.
• Reduce Shedding: Frequent brushing minimizes shedding and in turn reduces itchiness from the hair being trapped.
• Check for Parasites: Grooming is an excellent opportunity to check for ticks, fleas, that are more prevalent in the summer.
• Maintain Skin Health: Regular baths and brushing help remove dirt, pollen, mold, and other allergens that can irritate your pet’s skin.

Let’s Check In on Your Pets Diet

Ensure your pets’ diet is free from corn or wheat. Corn and wheat are high allergens for your pet. Even those dogs that are not truly allergic have issues like hot spots, skin irritations, paw licking, and yeasty skin from the combination of corn, wheat and humidity. Some dogs have issues with potatoes and good grains such as, rice, barley and oats in the summer also. Even though these are usually well tolerated by many dogs, the South Carolina Humidity can cause a “combustion” effect when paired. When this happens yeast can grow on the skin causing a smell, hot spots, itchy skin and skin infections. If your pet gets yeasty skin, a quality grain free diet is best year-round.

How about the paws?

Humidity also causes the grass to remain wet making the perfect environment for mold to grow. This mold can cause issues for dogs with mold allergies or sensitivity. Their paws have direct contact with the dirt causing wet and itchy paws. Rinsing their paws and patting them dry is your best defense to eliminate mold contact.

Hot pavement can actually blister a dog’s pads. Excessive walking on concrete or asphalt when its hot can make the pads peel. Always place your hand on the surface to determine if you would want to walk barefoot on it. Allow your dog to walk in the grass so not to damage the paw pads.

What Did We Learn?

Summers in Summerville, South Carolina can be dangerous for your pet if the proper steps are not taken. Grooming, the time of day and length of time out, and diet play a big part in keeping your dog safe. Use common sense when outdoors with your pet. Lastly, always look for signs that your pet is not happy or uncomfortable.

Be safe and enjoy the many months of outdoors that we get here in the South!