- Joined
- Apr 13, 2007
- Messages
- 12,294
The WLC sent me this advice and I thought it might be good to pass on and maybe get some other input as well.
Summer has finally arrived over here and we are having a heat wave. Before I post the list my contribution would be to think about your pooches. Dogs can't sweat like we do and so easily overheat. Don't over exercise them on really hot days, always provide them with plenty of water, always make sure they can get some shade, walk them early morning or late afternoon when the temps have dropped and one my dogs enjoy...give them a good soaking with the hose to cool them off !
1. Drink plenty of water. Not all at once since your body is not able to absorb it quickly, but little very often. Learn to sip and drink slowly over time. If you feel cotton-mouthed, you're dehydrated already.
2. Wear light colored clothes. Dark garments will absorb more heat. This includes a wide-brimmed hat. Keep that sun off your face and neck.
3. Travel or be active in the early morning or mid afternoon. Avoid the hours right before and after noon. Make sure to stop activities during the hottest hours and seek shade.
4. Shade can be 20 degrees cooler in temperature than direct sunlight. Find it or make it.
5. Keep kids and elderly out of the sun if possible and monitor them. They are likely less aware of their health and condition and need you to help observe their behaviors.
6. Wear long sleeves and pants and dowse them with water. Keep a bandana around your neck and wet it too.
7. Freeze some water bottles before leaving your home and stuff them in your bag. They will be water by the time you need them. This doesn't include the one you use and sip from often. Fill stainless steel bottles only 3/4 full as water expands and your full bottle will warp when the ice forms.
8. If you need to cool off fast, put your wrists and ankles under cold water. Your veins are nearest to your skin here. It will help bring your temp down.
9. Replace your salts with a moderately salty snack. You don't need a lot, just a regular dish. Don't go overboard.
10. Use common sense. 98.6 degrees is your body's usual temperature. Only a few degrees above and you'll be in serious trouble. Learn to know your limits and don't live in a fantasy world. Take breaks when you can and remember fall is only a few months away.
Summer has finally arrived over here and we are having a heat wave. Before I post the list my contribution would be to think about your pooches. Dogs can't sweat like we do and so easily overheat. Don't over exercise them on really hot days, always provide them with plenty of water, always make sure they can get some shade, walk them early morning or late afternoon when the temps have dropped and one my dogs enjoy...give them a good soaking with the hose to cool them off !
1. Drink plenty of water. Not all at once since your body is not able to absorb it quickly, but little very often. Learn to sip and drink slowly over time. If you feel cotton-mouthed, you're dehydrated already.
2. Wear light colored clothes. Dark garments will absorb more heat. This includes a wide-brimmed hat. Keep that sun off your face and neck.
3. Travel or be active in the early morning or mid afternoon. Avoid the hours right before and after noon. Make sure to stop activities during the hottest hours and seek shade.
4. Shade can be 20 degrees cooler in temperature than direct sunlight. Find it or make it.
5. Keep kids and elderly out of the sun if possible and monitor them. They are likely less aware of their health and condition and need you to help observe their behaviors.
6. Wear long sleeves and pants and dowse them with water. Keep a bandana around your neck and wet it too.
7. Freeze some water bottles before leaving your home and stuff them in your bag. They will be water by the time you need them. This doesn't include the one you use and sip from often. Fill stainless steel bottles only 3/4 full as water expands and your full bottle will warp when the ice forms.
8. If you need to cool off fast, put your wrists and ankles under cold water. Your veins are nearest to your skin here. It will help bring your temp down.
9. Replace your salts with a moderately salty snack. You don't need a lot, just a regular dish. Don't go overboard.
10. Use common sense. 98.6 degrees is your body's usual temperature. Only a few degrees above and you'll be in serious trouble. Learn to know your limits and don't live in a fantasy world. Take breaks when you can and remember fall is only a few months away.
:thumbdn: Temps inside cars rise very rapidly.
