““☀️ Summer Safety with Your Doodle: Preventing Heat Stroke This 4th of July 🇺🇸 ””

Hi friends,

As we head into a fun and festive 4th of July week here at Smeraglia Farm, I want to take a moment to talk about something incredibly important — protecting your doodle from heat stroke.

I know many of you are planning cookouts, lake days, fireworks, and family gatherings — and of course, your doodle is part of the celebration. But while we’re enjoying the summer fun, it’s vital that we don’t overlook how quickly extreme heat can become dangerous for our dogs.

With their thick, beautiful coats and loving desire to be near us at all times, doodles are especially vulnerable to overheating.

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🔥 Heat Stroke Can Set In Fast — Know the Signs

A dog can overheat in just 15 minutes, especially in the Alabama summer. Here are the red flags:
•   Excessive panting
•   Heavy drooling
•   Glassy eyes or anxious expression
•   Bright red or purple gums and tongue
•   Staggering, collapsing, or vomiting
•   Seizures in severe cases

Don’t wait to act — by the time these symptoms show up, your dog is already in distress.

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🧊 How We Stay Cool at Smeraglia Farm

Here at Smeraglia Farm, we take summer heat seriously. These are the same practices I recommend for all our puppy families:

✅ Always have fresh, cool water available
✅ Avoid walks during peak heat — go early morning or evening
✅ Never leave your dog in a car, not even for a quick errand
✅ Use kiddie pools, misting spray, or fans to help them cool off
✅ Provide shade if outdoors, or bring them inside
✅ Watch carefully for early signs of overheating

A dog’s normal body temp is around 101°F, and even a few degrees higher can be life-threatening.

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🚨 What to Do If Your Doodle Overheats

If your dog shows signs of heat stroke:
1.    Move them to shade or a cool indoor space immediately
2.    Offer small amounts of room-temp water
3.    Wet them with cool (not cold) towels, especially paws, belly, and neck
4.    Use a fan or airflow to help lower body temp
5.    Call your vet or emergency clinic right away — every second matters

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❤️ From My Heart to Yours

Here at Smeraglia Farm, we raise our puppies and train our dogs with the highest level of care — and that care doesn’t stop when they go home. My greatest hope is that every doodle lives a healthy, joyful life as your companion and family member.

So as you enjoy the fireworks, the freedom, and the festivities this Fourth of July, please take a few moments to plan for your doodle’s safety. They trust us to protect them — let’s make sure we do.

Wishing you and your furry best friend a safe, happy, and blessed Independence Day.

With love,
Sherri
Smeraglia