7 Care For Dogs In Summer
Dogs in summer can suffer a lot from the heat, so, as owners, we must take care of them even more than at any other time of the year. In the following article we give you some tips for this season.
Tips to take care of dogs in summer
Animals suffer changes in temperature just like people. Therefore, dogs in summer need some additional care. Pay attention to these tips:
1. Go out in the less hot hours
During noon – from 12:00 to 16:00 – it would be good for everyone to stay at home, sheltered from the heat and the 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 this period, naps are better than walks … And much less exercise or outdoor games! Be aware that heat stroke can be fatal to your pet ; You can even get burns to your pads, nose, or skin.
2. Don’t cut her hair
When the most pleasant days begin, your pet will probably lose its hair. If that does not happen, we recommend that you do not cut it close to the skin, as this can be very dangerous. Of course, because you will not have any protection against the sun.
Avoid haircuts for certain breeds, such as the Chow Chow, German Shepherd, Labrador, or Border Collie. These dogs have two coats of hair, which shed according to the time of year. What you can do is brush them daily 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 the same as condemning him to a horrible death? Although it is only five minutes to make a purchase, in that period the animal suffers a lot and can die.
It cannot be done at any time of the year, much less in summer, since the car becomes an ‘oven’ without oxygen in two minutes. It is preferable that you leave him tied to the door of the store or that someone stay watching him in the car with the windows open.
4. Always have water
Even at home, the animal may feel very thirsty and need to refresh itself several times a day. Before leaving work, or as soon as you get up, put fresh water in the usual container. If you are going to be away for long hours, add an additional drinking fountain.
There are other ways to cool your pet, such as wetting his head, belly and legs a few times a day, preparing homemade ice creams – or buying those recommended by your vet – and keeping the environment ventilated.
Prevent the sun and heat from penetrating the windows. and allow you access to the coolest areas of the house: bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. Be careful with the air conditioning and the fan, as both can cause illnesses due to the change in temperature when it is turned off or you go outside.
5. Don’t give him too much food
Your vet can advise you on the appropriate dose 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 bed
Dogs in summer prefer to sleep on the floor, as it is cooler than the bed, your mattress or any other surface. In the market you can find cushions that disperse heat, beds raised from the floor or cooling mats.
7. Take care of insects
In summer insects proliferate and can bite our pets. In addition to using repellants at home to prevent the entry of mosquitoes, consult your veterinarian for a specific treatment that protects your dog … especially if you have a garden with many plants!
Finally, it is very important that you avoid heat stroke in summer. At the first symptoms – excessive salivation, listlessness, tachycardia, hot nose – do not hesitate to take him to the vet for treatment.
