Summer is a time for lots of fun and outdoor activities with your dog. In intense heat, just like us, pets can also suffer from heat. When summer arrives, the temperature can increase a lot and with that present danger for the pets. There are regions that suffer from double blows of intense heat, which can cause terrible results.
For your pet to be safe this summer, I have prepared some basic tips:
The most awaited season of the year to enjoy the break, beach, pool, travel and outdoor fun, can come with some disadvantages. Pets need extra care and you need to be prepared and always attentive so that he stays safe and in perfect health condition.
To prevent your dog from suffering from high temperatures and enjoy a summer with tranquility and safety, follow our 10 tips for everyone in your family to have a fresh and healthy summer.
PRACTICE THE BASIC TIPS FOR A SAFE SUMMER WITH YOUR PET
1- Pay attention to walking times
During the year, it is necessary to be aware of the temperatures, however, in the summer, respecting the cooler times to walk with your dog is essential. If necessary, change the bathroom trips to earlier and later times of the day, if he is used to this routine. Just like us, they can burn their paws on the asphalt, on very hot days, take your dog to shady places, with grass and trees.
These external walks are also used for visits to the dog park and agility training. Adjust the times and intensity of training and games according to the temperature, the most suitable is early and late in the day with a lower temperature.
2- Never leave your pet alone in the car
Never leave your dog alone in the car, not even for 1 minute, even with the air conditioning on and the windows open. Temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels on hot days, reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes even with the windows open, this could lead to the death of your dog.
3- Use sunscreen for pets
The use of sunscreen (specific for dogs) is super important when going for a walk, especially in areas with less hair, such as the muzzle, ears, around the eyes, on the belly and under the arms and legs. If your pet has a light coat / muzzle, the use of sunscreen is mandatory when they are exposed to the sun. Dogs are also subject to skin cancer. Remember to reapply during the day.
4- Special care for puppies, the elderly, dogs with heart problems,
respiratory, obese and short snout.
Remember that each pet has its particularities and some have special needs and need extra attention.
In general, elderly dogs, puppies and obese dogs, have more difficulty enduring high temperatures. Like pets with heart or respiratory problems, they have a harder time losing heat and need extra precaution. With these pets, always be aware of signs of fatigue, unusual panting, changes in behavior and food.
Short-snouted (brachycephalic) pets of the breeds, Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, among others and also some cat breeds such as the Persians, are more prone to hyperthermia and thermal shock. To maintain good health, offer more water, avoid the sun, take breaks between exercises and walks.
5- Groom if you need to
The fur, in addition to being fluffy and beautiful, works as a thermal insulator. For this reason, to avoid skin burns, always trim the ends without shaving completely.
Some dog breeds that originate from cold places, such as the Siberian Husky, Akita, Bernese, among others, feel very hot in the summer and grooming can be one of the ways to help cool them down. Check with a specialist what type of fur your dog has so that it doesn't lose its protective layer.
6- Shade and fresh water
Regardless of the time of year, fresh water, an airy place and shade are essential to maintain your dog's good health. In summer, these precautions should be redoubled, especially for dogs that feel very hot.
During walks, on the street, park, beach, during travel, always have a bottle of water for your pet, in addition to ensuring an airy and shady place for him. Whenever possible, keep the water fresh and in abundance.
Be careful on beach days, because when the temperature is very high, this is not the best place for your dog to have fun. Remember that your pet can never be alone in a place that has a pool, lake, rivers and the beach. If necessary, use a buoyancy vest.
Some breeds are very fond of water, a good option is to buy a shallow child's pool or bathtub for him to have his private pool. There are also air-conditioned mattresses, which cool down in contact with the pet's body.
Try making ice cubes with snacks or fruits that your pet can eat, he will love this summer snack.
7- Keep away mosquitoes and diseases
In the summer, the increase in the proliferation of mosquitoes and puddles of water due to the constant rains, our pets can be infected with some diseases, such as heartworm and leishmaniasis, in addition to the bites causing allergies and itching, these diseases can be fatal.
To prevent this from happening, prevention is essential, through medicine and vaccines against these terrible diseases, the use of specific repellents for pets is also a good option.
8- Avoid heat stroke
Just like humans, pets can suffer from heat stroke, so be aware of signs of sudden change in behavior. As previously mentioned in tip 4, some characteristics and breeds of dogs and cats are more at risk of heat stroke. Attention to the elderly, puppies, short-nosed breeds, obese, or with heart and respiratory diseases.
Some signs of heat stroke are wide eyes, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, wheezing, lethargy, fever, vomiting, red or purple tongue, seizure, unconsciousness. If you find a pet on the street or let your pet get into this situation, put ice bags or cold towels on his belly, armpits and between his paws, turn on the air conditioning and run to the vet.
9- Up-to-date vaccination and deworming record
It is essential to keep up to date throughout the year, vaccination, deworming, flea and tick precautions to prevent diseases and parasites.
In summer, in places where it rains a lot, the risk of the pet contracting leptospirosis, a disease caused by a bacteria present in the urine of rats and concentrated in flooded places, increases. In this hot and humid season, the proliferation of fleas and ticks is more common, so stay tuned for prevention for ectoparasites.
10- Pets are children
If you've read this article this far, it's because you love your pets very much and want the best for him, right?
The last tip is something simple, however, we don't always give importance. Even if you are following the tips in this article, remember that your pet may feel sensations of cold or heat that you are not feeling.
You can be comfortable under the sun tanning without drinking any liquids for hours, however, you know when to go to the shade and drink water.
Pets are like children, they depend on their owner's care, as they don't know how to take care of themselves and can be seriously injured if the essential care to keep them safe in the summer is neglected by you.
Take care to keep your pet safety and enjoy a happy summer!
Do you want to donate love and help an abandoned dog find a home with a family that can protect him this summer from the high temperatures?
Get to know the project https://dogshelpingdogs.club/ and be part of this animal protection club!
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