Your furry companion can be affected by extreme temperatures just as much as you. So, just as you would take care to protect yourself in sultry weather, you need to do the same for your dog.
1) Refrain from leaving your dog in a parked car
Leaving your pet in a parked car in hot weather even for a few minutes is asking for trouble. Even on a day when it is not that hot, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise. If for example, the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the windows are opened a bit, it may take no more than 10 minutes for the temperature inside the car to go up to 102 degrees. 30 minutes later, the temperature may go up to 120 degrees.
2) Be careful with the exercise
Reduce exercise including walking on very hot days and preferably make your dog engage in it only in the early morning, or evening when the weather is cooler. You need to be especially careful with short-nosed pets who may develop breathing difficulty, and pets with white ears who are more prone to developing skin cancer.
When walking, keep in mind that ground that is too hot for you would feel the same to your pet. Try to keep your pet off hot asphalt or other hot surfaces to avoid burning your dog’s paws. Walk on grass instead. Alternatively, consider getting your pet shoes.
3) Ensure Timely Food and Water
As you would do during the rest of the year, make sure your dog gets healthy food at regular times every day with adequate hydration. Check out Orijen dog food reviews and reviews of other food brands to make the right choice for your pet. As far as water is concerned, try to place the bowls in areas where there is suitable shade. Refill the bowls at least once daily. You could also consider getting an automatic waterer.
4) Give them a Shady Place to Rest
Trees are ideal to give your pet some much-needed shade. However, if you don’t have them, you can always create shade with patio umbrellas, portable sun shades, and pop-up canopies.
Does your dog enjoy playing in the water? How about setting up a dog pool for him or an oscillating yard sprinkler?
5) Keep them Sun-Protected
Protect your pet from the harmful rays of the sun. Consider using pet-friendly sunscreen and apply it on exposed areas such as the ears, nose and tummy. You might want to consult your vet about the right product for your pet’s skin. Avoid sunscreen or insect repellent that is not meant for use on animals. Ingestion of certain human sunscreens can trigger vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, lethargy and excessive thirst in pets. If you can afford it, check out UPF sun-blocking clothes for added protection. The higher the UPF rating, the better it is for your pet.
6) Safeguard your Pet from External Parasites
Ticks and fleas are more common during the summer months. Get the advice of your vet for suitable products to prevent or kill these parasites. If you have a lawn, cut the grass short to control the prevalence of these parasites.
7) Be Smart about Grooming
Brush your pet’s hair regularly, smoothing out tangles and cutting mats. If you have any plans to shave, it is better to talk to your vet about it first. Fur that keeps your dog warm during the winter months by providing insulation, may also help keep cool in the hotter months.
8) Give them relief with cold treats
Just as you would love to drink something cold to get relief from the heat, you can give your dog a cold treat too. However, avoid ice cream as your pet won’t be able to properly digest the lactose. Make a pet-friendly ice lolly or prepare a frozen dog meal with dog treats, water, and a small amount of low sodium chicken and broth (make sure there’s no onion or garlic).
9) Watch out for symptoms of heat stroke
Be on the watch for symptoms such as these which may be indicative of heatstroke – excessive panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, red or dark tongue and gums, dizziness, seizures, rapid heartbeat, and agitation. You will have to take your dog to the veterinarian at the earliest even if he shows signs of improvement. There could be potential complications from the heat stroke which you may not be able to identify.
For immediate treatment, first make sure your pet is in an air-conditioned or shady area. Then try to bring down your pet’s temperature by running moderately cold water over him or by applying cold towels/ice packs to his head, neck and chest. Let him lick an ice cube pr provide small quantities of cool water to drink.
Here’s wishing your pet and you a cool summer!
