SUMMER DOG CARE: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR DOG HEALTHY AND HYDRATED
Summer dog care becomes the key to ensuring the health and comfort of our four-legged friends.
We know that summer is a beautiful time of year that brings warmth and longer daylight hours, but our dog needs to be under extra care on hot days. So, it is a time when dog owners must pay special attention to the needs of their pets.
The season’s high temperatures, as we are all witnessing now in Romania, and the intense sunlight can challenge our furry friends.
In today’s article, we will try to provide expert advice to ensure that you look after your dog to stay healthy, happy and adequately hydrated during these hot summer days; as we all know that summer comes with challenges for man’s best friends and dog owners at the same time.
Keep your dog hydrated
First and foremost, hydration is essential for dogs during the summer months. Just like humans, dogs can quickly become dehydrated in high temperatures. Always make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water in the house or yard.
Also, during walks, carry a portable water bowl to give your pet water to drink, especially during longer walks.
How to recognize dehydration? If you notice excessive panting in your dog’s behavior or if he seems lethargic, these could be signs of dehydration.
Cool your dog
Add ice cubes, with or without fruit, to your dog’s water bowl on hot summer days. Not only will this help keep the water cold, but it can also provide your dog with a fun treat and ensure that the water temperature is maintained at an optimal level for longer.
However, don’t rely on this method as your primary source of hydration; drinking plenty of water should always be the first step against dehydration. Provide the dog with plenty of water poured into a large dog water container.
Also, if you have a backyard and your pups are water lovers, you can set up a dog pool for them to play freely while cooling off.
Keep your dog away from sun exposure and temperature
Next, we will address the issue of high temperatures and direct exposure to the sun.
High temperatures can put dogs at risk of heat stroke, a severe condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, increased heart rate and seizures or loss of consciousness in severe cases.
If you notice these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. That is why it is essential to prevent them from happening, not just to be prepared to seek help from the best veterinary clinics in Romania.
Avoid taking your dog outside during peak temperature hours to prevent heatstroke, usually between 10 am and 6 pm.
Also, as we know, this happens quite often – never leave your dog alone in a parked car during the summer. Even with cracked windows, temperatures inside the vehicle can rise dangerously high within minutes and be fatal to the four-legged friend.
Be aware of walking your dog on hot pavement
When walking your dog in the summer, you must also be aware of the potential danger of hot pavements.
Surfaces like concrete or asphalt can heat up quickly in the sun and burn your dog’s paws.
A simple search with paw burns shows how often this happens and how bad it is for your pet to walk at 40 degrees Celsius on a burning pavement.
A general rule of thumb to check if your quadruped can walk on the pavement would be to place your hand on the pavement’s surface for seven seconds. If it is too hot for you, you must understand it is too hot for the dog.
Try walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures drop, or look for grassy paths for walks.
In exceptional cases, you can purchase shoes for dogs to protect their four-legged paws.
Protect your dog from parasites
Parasites are most prevalent in the summer, so your chicken can become infested quickly. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes thrive in warm weather and can transmit various diseases to your pet. So it’s best to talk to your vet about the best preventative treatments you can give your four-legged friend.
Groom and brush your dog
Last but not least, the dog must be well brushed and groomed, especially if it has long or thick fur. Regular brushing can prevent overheating and help your dog feel comfortable, even when it’s hot outside. Use a bristle brush or a special comb for your dog’s hair.
However, avoid shaving your dog’s fur completely, as this can expose it to sunburn.
Caring for a dog in the summer involves a keen awareness of the challenges of hot weather. You can ensure your four-legged friend stays happy and healthy throughout the summer with proper hydration, heat protection, and a proper schedule of walks outdoors, down the street or in the park.
