With the advent of April, summer is finally knocking on the door. And it’s time to bask in the sunlight with your furry little friend by your side.
But, let me tell you, dogs handle the heat in a very different way. Because of their thick fur covering, dogs sweat a lot and if not cleaned in time, it causes skin infections and attracts fleas and lice.
So, whether you’re prepping for a road trip or you just want to lay around the pool with your dog, there are certain precautions you must take to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy this summer season.
1. Water, Water, and More Water
The scorching heat outside makes it important for you to always carry extra water for you and your dog. Staying hydrated and fresh is the key to good health in summers.
A dog who is losing water excessively, around 10 to 15 percent of the water in its body, can fall extremely sick or worse, die. So, always carry two liters of extra water whenever you’re taking your dog out.
But beware to not let your dog drink the saltwater from the sea if by any chance you’re heading to the beach. The beach can be really hot, so if you’re planning to visit this summer, remember to carry extra water so that they remain hydrated and energetic all the time.
Apart from that, you can always make changes to your dog’s diet depending on the season. Seek advice from a vet or explore sites like https://www.glowpetfood.com.au/ for more details.
2. Shift your morning routine
During the summer season, avoid taking your dog out during the hottest hours of the day, that is, from 10 am in the morning to 4 pm in the evening. During this time, the sun’s rays fall directly on the land, causing the surroundings to heat up like a frying pan on a stove.
During the summer, the days are longer and the sun takes time to go down. Therefore, go out on walks early in the morning. At this time, the temperature generally is much cooler and the heat isn’t prickly.
Early mornings are also peaceful and are the perfect hour to exercise outdoors with your furry friend.
3. Carry an umbrella
Despite the hot weather, everyone likes to go out on vacations during the summer season. So, if you’re going to the beach or some other place, make sure you have access to a nearby shade or a shelter to protect yourself and your doggo from the scorching heat.
You can also buy those huge umbrellas or a makeshift tent and some mats to avoid burning in the hot sand.
4. Freeze!
Ice is always the go-to cooling option for everyone, and your pet dog isn’t an exception. They are a quick and easy way to cool your dog down and make them stay hydrated and fresh.
Several pets enjoy nibbling and chewing ice cubes, as the ice gives an instant sense of coolness to the body, especially in hot summers.
But while your dog is busy kneading on the ice cubes, keep an eye on them so that they accidentally don’t crack open their teeth, just like the silly humans.
4. Do not forget the sunscreen
You may be wondering, sunscreen? For a dog? I must be joking. But yes, just like us humans, dogs get sunburns too and often they are very painful for our little friends.
Sunburns are very common in smaller dogs and the ones with less fur. Too much sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer.
There are separate types of sunscreens available just for pets like dogs and cats. Use it in a generous amount whenever you’re stepping out. But try to avoid the peak hours of a summer day.
5. Don’t let fleas gather
Fleas are not only irritating but are also harmful to your pets. Implement flea control methods on your dog, especially if you live in hot and humid weather. Visit your veterinarian and seek expert advice to deal with fleas.
6. Splash!
Dogs love the water, and if the temperatures are getting higher day by day, then just install a makeshift pool in the backyard and plunge in with your dog. And if you have the bucks to spend, you can also invest in an outdoor pool for your home and enjoy the summer season to the fullest.
Over to you…
It is our responsibility as pet parents to ensure that they enjoy all aspects of their lives. So, enjoy this summer with your furry little buddies while also keeping them safe from the scorching heat with these incredibly smart tips.
also read: https://newstimeusa.com/pineranian-dogs/