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Whether it's long walks in the park, ambitious hikes, beach days, or simply lounging in the backyard, the summer season offers a plethora of activities for you and your dog. However, as much as we adore the sun's golden rays, it's essential to remember the heat can pose some risks to our furry pals.
Just as humans need to protect themselves from the summer heat, dog parents must also consider summer dog care. Dogs, unlike humans, have a more limited ability to sweat — mainly through their paws — making it harder for them to cool down. And unlike us, they wear their fur coats all year long!
But fret not, fellow dog parents! With a few summer safety tips for dogs, you can help your canine companion navigate the heat.
Firstly, knowing how to cool down a dog in summer is crucial. Create a shady spot for your dog to relax, or better yet, keep them indoors with the air conditioning on. A child-sized wading pool filled with fresh water can be a great way to keep your dog cool and entertained. Remember, dogs can’t cool down as efficiently as humans, so it's essential to take extra precautions.
Like humans, dogs too need to be hydrated during summers. Make sure that water is easily accessible for your pooch drink. You can also include wet dog food in its diet. Along with offering essential nutrients, it also ensures hydration with its high-moisture content.
When it comes to paw care, be mindful of hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws. Try to schedule walks during the cooler parts of the day, and consider using a moisturising paw balm to protect your pet's paws from cracking.
Summer isn’t the right season to go overboard with training. If your dog wants to lay down under the fan and enjoy the cool breeze, let it. However, if your dog is feeling restless due to all the pent-up energy, go for basic training.
Lastly, maintaining your dog's grooming routine during summer is essential. Brushing not only helps keep your dog’s coat free from mats, but it also helps prevent excess buildup of dead hair, which can lead to overheating.
Regular grooming and maintaining their flea and tick treatments are other summer dog care tasks that shouldn't be neglected. Moreover, if you travel with your dog by a car regularly, do not leave them in a closed vehicle, especially during the summer season.
Dogs require extra care during summer, especially because they are prone to experience health concerns specific to the season. And they are:
Heatstroke in dogs is a serious condition that can occur when a dog's body temperature rises dangerously high, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to heat. Early signs include:
As the condition worsens, your dog may exhibit:
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to cool your dog down immediately and seek veterinary care. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Dehydration, on the other hand, happens when more fluids leave your dog's body than they consume. This can be especially concerning during summer when dogs lose fluids through panting, urinating, and even sweat evaporation through their paws. Symptoms of dehydration include:
While providing a bowl of fresh water is essential, adding an electrolyte-enhanced water might be necessary, especially during hot summer days.
Taking proper care of your pet during the sizzling summer months is indeed crucial, not just for their comfort but also for their health. Dogs can be vulnerable to the heat, and knowing how to keep dogs cool in summer is a necessary skill for all pet parents.
To cool your dog in summer, ensure they always have access to fresh water and shaded areas. Consider using cooling mats, or even a paddling pool filled with cool water. Regular grooming can help improve airflow through their coat, and you can also offer them dog-friendly ice treats.
Typically walking your dog in summer is safe up to 19°C (68°F). Temperatures higher than that can be extremely discomforting for your pooch.
Early warning signs of a discomforted dog in summer include heavy panting, rapid breathing and excessive drooling. Some more signs to watch out for when learning how to take care of a dog in hot weather are lethargy, uncontrollable urination or defecation, and shock.
You need to be wary of extra summer dog care as the heat could be a bit more dangerous for your dog than it is for humans. Ensure you keep yourself updated on some summer safety tips for dogs so that you can keep your canine in comfortable temperatures and avoid any issues.
Yes, this is because dogs have a harder time cooling down compared to humans because their ability to sweat is limited, mainly through their paws. They rely on alternative methods such as panting to keep cool. Their inability to sweat, coupled with the fact that they wear fur coats, puts them at a high risk of overheating and heatstroke during the summer.
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