Essential Tips to Keep Your Pet Dog Safe During Summer
Summer is setting in and this is the time of the year when people like to spend some quality time outdoors with their pets. The initial setting of the summer season is pleasant with the wind blowing across your face and your pet dog is also going to enjoy his outdoor escapades.
However, not for long because as the heat and humidity rise it will become unbearable to venture out and besides that, dogs also suffer from heat-related health concerns like humans and in fact require special care and attention during the summer season.
Most of the time new pet parents are not aware of the methods they can adopt to keep their four-legged furry friend hydrated and cool during the summer season. As dogs don’t sweat in the same way as humans do they can get overheated due to the sweltering heat?
Here in this article, we will discuss the essential tips that you can adopt as a pet parent to keep your dog safe during the summer season.
Water & shade
The sweltering heat of the summer season takes a toll on leaving organisms and your pet dog also faces health issues like dehydration during the summer season. Moreover, dogs feel much thirstier than humans during the rise in temperature.
There are also certain signs exhibited by dogs whenever they suffer from dehydration. If you find that your dog is drooling excessively along with having dry gums, then these are signs of dehydration in your dog. You must ensure complete access to fresh, clean water for your pet dog inside the house all the time.
In addition to this, you can also make a switch to wet pet food for your dog. However, before that consult your veterinarian. Furthermore, your pet also needs to be under shade as much as possible to prevent heatstroke.
Don’t leave your pet inside the car
There is no doubt that your pet dog loves a ride in the car and the cool breeze blowing in will rejuvenate him. However, pet parents need to keep one thing in their mind that is never let your pet behind in the car when you go out for buying anything or visiting anyone.
If you are going out for a few minutes then it is perfectly alright, however, leaving your pet dog for a long time inside the car in the sweltering heat is really dangerous. There are numerous instances of dogs suffering from heat strokes due to being left behind inside the car & some of these cases can be fatal.
If you happen to leave behind your pet in your car and he is showing signs of dehydration, then immediately rush him to the emergency veterinary care at a pet hospital.
Use sunscreen lotion
Well, it might sound absurd when you hear of this idea but pets are equally susceptible to sunburns especially if you are having a breed that has a short or light hair coat. Sunburns are really painful and can also lead to various skin diseases if not treated in time.
The best way to prevent sunburns in your pet dog is by applying the sunscreen lotion that you use, especially when heading outdoors where your pet is going to spend some time indulging in various activities. Just have a word with your vet regarding the best sunscreen lotion for your pet dog.
Take care of the paws
One of the most important parts of your pet’s body that you need to protect is the paws. You must know that your dog heats and cools from the bottom up. Whenever you are out with your pet during the daytime just make sure to keep your pet off cement and asphalt surface.
These surfaces get heated up very quickly and have the potential to burn up your pet dog’s paws and also increase the body temperature and lead to overheating. Moreover, if you are using a pickup and have the habit of driving with your dog at the back, then this must be avoided as the metal gets heated up.
Finally
The above-discussed factors are some of the most valuable things that you need to remember when you are taking care of your pet dog during the summer season. Moreover, there are certain breeds that might require special care & attention during the hot season. This is why you must visit your veterinarian with your dog to chart out a better plan for your dog that will help him cope with the heat.