7 Tips For The Well-being Of Your Dog In The Summer
Dogs can suffer a lot from the heat in summer, so you will have to take care of them much more than at any other time of the year. In the following article we will give you some tips for the well-being of your dog in the summer .
Tips for taking care of your dog in the summer
Animals suffer from temperature changes just like people. Therefore, dogs in the summer need more care and attention. We advise you to follow these tips:
1. Go out during the cooler hours
During midday – from 12:00 to 16:00 – the ideal would be for everyone to stay indoors, protected from heat and sun. If you are on the beach, you can return to the accommodation or stay in the shade and with plenty of fresh water available.
During that time slot, it is better to take a nap than to take a walk… It is better not to exercise or play outdoors! Keep in mind that heatstroke can be fatal for your pet. He may even burn his pads, nose or skin.
2. Don’t cut your dog’s coat in the summer
When the milder days begin, your pet will likely shed its coat. If this does not happen, we advise you not to cut it too short, close to the skin, as it can be very dangerous. Of course, because the dog’s coat in the summer serves to protect the skin from the sun.
Especially for certain breeds, such as chow chow, German shepherd, labrador or border collie, it is best to avoid clipping the hair. These dogs have two layers of coat, which change according to the time of year. What you can do is brush it every day to remove dirt and dead hair.
3. Don’t leave it in the car
Did you know that leaving your dog in the car is tantamount to condemning him to a horrible death? Even if it is only five minutes to make a purchase, during this time the animal suffers a lot and can die.
Never do this at any time of the year, much less in summer, as the car becomes an oxygen-free “oven” in two minutes. It is preferable to leave him tied to the shop door or for someone to stay with him in the car with the windows open.
4. Always have water available
Even if you are at home, the animal can feel very thirsty and needs to freshen up several times a day. Before leaving work, or just getting up, put fresh water in the usual container. If you are going to go out for several hours, we recommend that you add another bowl.
There are other ways to keep your pet hydrated, such as bathing their head, belly and legs a couple of times a day, making homemade ice cream, or buying those recommended by the vet, and maintaining the environment. always ventilated.
Prevent the sun and heat from entering the windows and allow your dog access to the cooler areas of the house: bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Be careful with the air conditioning and the fan, as both can cause illness due to the change in temperature when turning off or going out.
5. Don’t feed your dog too much in the summer
Your vet will tell you what the correct dose is based on the breed, size or age of the animal. A Great Dane is not the same as a Poodle, which is more than obvious, but you should also keep in mind that, in hot weather, your pet should eat less.
6. Adapt your kennel
Dogs in the summer prefer to sleep on the floor, as it is cooler than the bed, mattress or any other surface. You may want to purchase heat-dissipating pillows, raised beds, or cooling mats for him.
7. Beware of insects
Insects proliferate in the summer and can bite your pets. In addition to the use of repellents to prevent mosquito bites, consult your vet for a specific treatment to protect your dog … especially if you have a garden with many plants!
As we have seen, it is very important to avoid heatstroke in the summer. When the first symptoms appear – excessive salivation, poor appetite, rapid heartbeat, hot nose – do not hesitate to take him to the vet for proper treatment.
