The summer heat and steamy atmosphere are a real nuisance for dogs. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating, as they only have sweat glands on their snouts and pads on their paws, and they can only cool down by breathing. Therefore, they can quickly overheat and experience so-called heat stroke.
With expert advice, follow these basic precautions to ensure your dog doesn't get affected by the heat.
1. Provide enough water to keep them cool
To keep the furry member of your family safe and healthy during the high temperatures, make sure they have access to it at all times enough drinking water. Dogs also like to lie down in the water to cool off. So, let them cool their tummy and body in the water. Because dogs on the skin they do not have sweat glands, they lower their body temperature by drinking water, and by lying in it they relieve their fever.
2. Do not leave the dog in the car
Do not leave your dog in the car, even if you have parked in the shade. The temperature in the car can be very high quickly picks up, and a narrow gap with open windows will not help the dogs survive the heat. If you're stuck in traffic, turn on the air conditioning and make sure the windows are tinted. If possible, leave your dog at home in very warm or hot weather.
3. Protect your dog's pads
Long summer walks can burn a dog's paws and pads, especially if it is a young dog. To protect dog pads, avoid afternoon outings. Take the puppy for a walk in the morning and late at night. However, if you must take your dog outside in the heat, whether they walk on grass or other cool surfaces, avoid cement or asphalt surfaces. Additional protection can be provided by using pad wax and moisturizing the paws regularly.
4. Your dog also needs to be protected from the sun
Prolonged exposure to the scorching sun is not only harmful to us, but also to our pets. That's right, you can also use the protective cream on your dog. Use a baby cream that is gentle and contains soothing ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter. If the dog is shaved before or after surgery, you should protect the bare part of its body from the sun with a cotton cloth.
Dogs experience the summer heat differently than humans and also cool down in a unique way.Photo: Rodnae Productions/Pexels
5. Watch your dog
During the summer months, it's important to keep an eye on your dog and look for signs of dehydration or heat stroke so you can provide emergency care.
Pay attention to the following warning signs that indicate dog's high body temperature:
- excessive water consumption
- difficulty breathing
- confusion
- vomiting
- red eyes
- swollen tongue
A four-legged member of your family needs the same care and protection as other members families. Therefore, do not leave them unattended in hot weather.
