Tips for keeping your dog safe this summer. Summers are pleasing for everyone. When you think about summer, all you can think about is outdoor fun and games. The same is the way your dog feels about summer. You can see your dog’s excitement every time it goes out to play in the summer.
However, summer is not always fun and games. The temperature is so high that the chances of dehydration are very high. Similarly, your dog may get more injuries when playing in the summer and get skin and ear infections.
It is very important to protect your dog from everything that can affect its summer fun. But first, you must keep it healthy and safe from infections, overheating, sunburn, dehydration, stroke, and injuries.
Top Guidance to Keep Your Dog Secure This Summer
Summers are the same for humans and dogs except for their ability to release sweat. Dogs remove work less than humans, which is one reason they deal with overheating every summer.
So, to keep your dog cool and safe in the summer, you can follow the following tips:
- Plenty of water
You may notice your dog drinking more water than usual during summer. This is because their bodies experience dehydration throughout the summertime. You may also see that their gums are very dry and that they are drooling more than expected.
It is important to provide your dog with water at all times, even when you are outside. Provide your dog with clean and fresh water. Giving your dog wet food is preferable to fulfilling its water requirement.
- Provide shade
Direct sunlight is unsuitable for your dog because it can cause heat stroke due to overheating. So, keeping your dog in the shade is essential so its body will not overheat.
- Observe signs
Your dog may be doing some things that are obvious signs that it is overheating. For example, if it is overheating, it will down water and pant as the water runs down its body.
You may notice signs like heavy panting, thick and constant drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry gums that are also red, wobbly legs, etc.
- Never leave your dog in the car.
Never think of leaving your dog in the car, even when you have to leave it for ten minutes. Ten minutes is enough time for dogs to develop a heat stroke when stuck in the car. Keeping the air conditioner on while you are gone may be better or not harmful. However, there are still chances that your dog may suffer from being stuck in the car due to dehydration, overheating, etc.
If you have to leave your dog in the car, open the windows and leave a bowl of water even for a few minutes. Most countries consider it illegal, and strict action is taken against people who leave their dogs in cars in dangerous conditions.
- Apply sunscreen
Just like you care for yourself and your skin, you must take care of your dog similarly. Dogs can also develop skin cancer and get sunburns too. Apply sunscreen to all areas with the least fur, such as the ear, nose, and belly.
Make sure to use sunscreen made specifically for dogs and not one made for humans. Dogs lick everything, and licking human sunscreen will be harmful because it contains zinc.
- Don’t shave
The dog’s coat is designed to favour both kinds of weather. Groom your dog regularly to remove excess fur, which can trap heat. The coat tries to keep the dog cool in summer, and in winter, it stores heat. So it is okay to trim the dog's fur, but avoid shaving it completely. Just stay within an inch and do not trim more than that.
- Mind your walking hours.
Taking your dog on a daily walk is vital for its healthy lifestyle. However, it is essential to remember the timings that are least likely to cause heat burns or stroke due to overheating.
Never take your dog out when it is too hot. Instead, take it for a walk in the morning or evening. Ensure no strong sunlight when you take your dog out for a walk.
- If you must take your dog for a walk during the day, take breaks in the shade and provide plenty of water.
- Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, cool water. To help your dog stay calm, you can also freeze water bottles or Kong toys with water.
- Keep paws cool
Ensure your dog’s paws are calm in summer, and do not make them walk on hot surfaces like cement or asphalt. Nothing increases heat in their body as much as the heat from below.
Spray water on its paws and stomach to help with the heat. You can also use a wet towel on its belly and paws to help with heat instead of moisture. If you have to take your dog out in the middle of the day, you can make it wear boots.
- Keep parasites away
Parasites are also very happy with summers, so many parasites, like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, etc., fly everywhere. These parasites cause different diseases because they have heartworms and tapeworms in them.
The disease can be Lyme and Bartonella, most commonly due to parasites. It is best to consult with the vet to create parasite-free conditions for your dog and to keep it safe.
- Use a Life vest in water.
Summers are most fun when you spend time in water under the sunlight. So wear a life jacket when you take your dog to the ocean or pool.
Even if your dog knows how to swim, you should still make it wear a life jacket because it will save it not only from drowning but also from the currents in the water.
When buying a life vest, make sure you buy one in a bright colour to keep an eye on your dog even when you are far from it.
- Avoid fireworks
When thinking about summer, you also think about picnics, barbecues, and outdoor celebrations. Unfortunately, it is also the time when fireworks are lit. So, please keep your dog away from the fireworks because they might get afraid of them or even eat them, which is very dangerous.
It is imperative to keep your dog cool and safe during summer and take steps that only benefit your dog. All the activities may remain the same, but the timings may change so that you can avoid heat as much as possible because now you know how easily overheating happens.
Keep your dog as cool as possible. Please always keep it in the car, especially in hot weather, even when the air conditioner works. Apply sunscreen on its skin, and do not shave its coat completely. Make sure to leave one inch of coat for better body temperature regulation.
Staying in the shade is preferable for its body. Remember, hydration is the key to spending summers happier. In case of any confusion, always consult your dog’s veterinarian for better treatment in hot conditions.
Be aware of the signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, excessive thirst, glazed eyes, lethargy, and vomiting. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the vet immediately.
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