Expert advice on keeping your dog cool and hydrated in the summer to ensure his health in high temperatures.
As summer is synonymous with extreme heat in a country like ours, we must take measures to ensure that our dog stays cool, despite the adverse conditions. However, we must emphasize that what follows is not only about your dog's good mood and comfort, but first and foremost his health.
Many people don't know that dogs have limited ability to regulate their body temperature, mainly through panting and paw sweating. When the outside temperature is very high, these methods may not be enough.
But how do you know if your dog is at risk of heatstroke?
Early symptoms include excessive panting, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness. If you don't take immediate action on the aforementioned signs, heatstroke can lead to loss of consciousness and organ damage. This is why you should regularly monitor your dog to notice changes in his mood and behavior.
Below in this article you will find some useful information and tips to ensure your dog copes in the best way during the hottest time of year.
Preventive measures to keep your dog cool
As is easily understood, hydrating your dog is the A and Z for his good health during the hot summer. This means that he should always have access to plenty of fresh, cool and clean water . As for your walk or in general during the hours you are outside the house, you should have a portable water container with you as it is a given that you will need it. However, special attention is also required when you take your dog for a walk. Prefer periods of time when there is no intense sunshine but also hours such as mornings or evenings when temperatures are lower and solar radiation is limited. This means that at noon it is good for your dog to stay at home and ideally away from your balcony or yard. Another reason why your dog should not be outdoors during hours of intense sunshine is the fact that his paws are quite sensitive . Simply put, hot surfaces, such as asphalt and sand, can cause burns to your dog's paws. For this reason, prefer shaded routes that stay cool. As for the outside areas of your home, be sure to create shady spots on your balcony or patio so that your dog is protected from the sun.
Regarding your dog's exercise and play, during this period you should be more careful than the rest of the year. Significantly reduce the intensity of exercise, on hot days and in any case avoid intense activities that may exhaust your dog. Alternatively, experts recommend walking at a leisurely pace and limiting indoor games. If you see that on a certain day or at a certain time of day the heat has affected your dog and he seems to be unhappy, spread a damp towel with cold water on the floor or give him a bath to cool him down . Especially if he has thick fur or it's time to visit the pet grooming, it's a good opportunity to brush him to remove unnecessary hair so that his skin can breathe better.
When it comes to dog safety during the summer, it is important to note that you should never leave your dog alone in your car, as this is extremely dangerous. Due to its construction, the car cabin can quickly reach extremely high temperatures, resulting in heatstroke and even death for anyone inside. If you see an animal locked in a car, it is essential to notify the authorities.
Are there any dog breeds that require more attention in the summer?
The answer is yes. Indeed, there are certain breeds of dogs that require more attention during the summer due to their particular characteristics. As you can see, these are breeds with thick fur that traps heat. In addition, brachycephalic breeds ( with a broad face), such as bulldogs, often face respiratory problems that are aggravated by the heat, resulting in panting and a significant risk to their health. Also, dogs with light or thin fur are more sensitive to sunburn and may need a special sunscreen spray. Finally, puppies, older dogs and overweight dogs require special care, as they have less resistance to heat.
So if you notice that your dog is showing the signs of heatstroke mentioned above, you should act immediately and calmly. The first step is to move your dog to the coolest part of the house so that his temperature drops. Then, it is useful to wet him with cool water and of course offer him small amounts of water to drink. The next step, of course, is to call the veterinarian you trust and consult him. He will direct you specifically about your dog's symptoms and how you should treat them. If the condition is serious, he may ask you to be taken to his office or a clinic to treat the situation and prevent the worst from happening.
What to look out for in your dog's diet?
During the summer, your dog's appetite may decrease. Experts recommend light meals for better digestion, while cool summer fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, mango (without seeds and skin), blueberries and pineapple are ideal as treats. Petchef recipes fully cover your dog's daily nutritional needs with complete meals that are light and easy to digest. In addition, our recipes are rich in moisture, which helps your dog stay hydrated for longer.
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