Hot weather shouldn’t put an end to fun days for humans and dogs too. In fact, it is a season that must be enjoyed. There are some precautions that must be taken into consideration to keep our furbabies safe and healthy. Let’s keep them cool-no matter how hot the days might get.
Keep them indoors and let them stay close by the AC vents. A quick walk or potty run, of course, is still needed. Their exercise time is best either early in the morning or late in the evening. Their coat and furry, long hair double the effect of the humid weather; hence, it is not advisable to let them stay outdoors during middle of the day.
Do not leave your dog in the car. Temperature can soar inside a closed car. A dog may develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car even just for few minutes. When you are driving around with your dog, always bring water and take your dog with you when you leave the car.
Inside the house, always make sure that our furry friends always have access to clean, fresh water. You can add ice cubes when available. They can get thirstier than we do when they get hot and ca quickly get dehydrated without sufficient water. You may also give them alternatives with electrolytes, frozen treats, puppy ice pops, fruits and coconut water. Do not consider giving human energy drinks to them. You may find it normal that they decrease or lose a little in appetite during hot weather, so make sure to include fluids such as broth or buttermilk with their meals.
Groom your pooch. Make sure to keep them brushed during heat or hot weather. Getting rid of mats and tangles help them keep cool. Shaving doesn’t mean it will keep them cool. In fact, nature designed this extra fur which keeps them warm in winter, also keep them cool in summer.
When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really, really hot. Keep your dog’s paws cool by trying to keep them off of hot asphalt. It can burn their paws, cause blistering and increase their body temperature which can lead to overheating. When giving them a short walk, let them do on cool surfaces like grass. There are available summer dog booties and pet paw protection wax you can buy to protect their paw pad.
Buy a kiddie pool or makeshift an old tub, fill it with water and put their favorite toys in it. Sure, it will be a lot of fun for them!
Our furry friends can’t tell us when they do not feel well. It is important for us to always be aware and watch for signs of overheating in them. Be mindful of these signs and get them to the vet for immediate care. Watch out for any symptoms like heavy panting, excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness and having trouble in breathing.
Watch your dog’s weight. Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog not just during summer but throughout his lifetime will help them live on average of 2 to 3 years longer than an overweight pet.
When you’re equipped with proper knowledge and tips on how to protect and to keep your dogs cool during summer, you will have all this time to enjoy hot weather with them. Do not let the weather hinder you and your furry friend make the most out of this season! You both deserve to enjoy and have fun.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
