Summer is almost here, and it is one of the best times to get out and play with your four-legged friend. Spending time and playing outdoors with your pet is a great form of exercise and fun.
But this season also brings some challenges and problems for your pet, so they need a bit of extra caring during these hot months.
Dogs love the summer season just as much as you do, as they get the chance to go out and enjoy all the beautiful things that this season offers.
Well, there is nothing wrong with taking your pet out for exercise like swimming, running, or walking, but you have to keep in mind that extra exposure to warm weather can be dangerous for your pet.
Also, dogs don’t sweat like other people, so, it becomes very difficult for them to stay cool when the temperature cranks up.
In this piece, we will take you through some tips that can help you make this summer amazing for your pet!
Never Leave Your Pet In A Car Parked In Sunlight
You might be aware of the fact that confinement in any vehicle parked in sunlight can be critical to your dog or any other pet. Most people don’t realise how hot a car gets in when exposed to sunlight.
According to a recent survey, if the temperature outside is 78°F, then a car parked outside can heat up to 110°F just in a few minutes. And the sad part is that a pet will get a heat stroke just in 15 minutes in a hot car.
So, if you’re going outside, the best thing you can do is leave your dog home on warm days.
However, if you take your dog with you, then make sure you don’t leave it in the car or if you do, either park the car in a cold area or leave some water or water dish for it in the car.
Pay Attention While Exercising With Your Pup
People often prefer to go for a walk or a run and hit the trails with their canine friend.
During summer, you should steer clear of these physical excursions, especially in the day time.
However, if you want to keep your pup fit and healthy, then you can take it out either early in the morning or in the evening, as these will be comparatively cooler..
Also, when you take your pet out for exercise; try avoiding extended and exhausting walks.
You can go for walks in grassy, cool and shady areas with your canine friend. After every exercise, cool down your pup in the shades and give them some water to drink.
Learn To Protect Your Dog From Heatstroke
Heat stroke develops in pets quickly, especially in dogs with flat faces, and it often happens due to exposure to heat, poor ventilation and humidity.
The common symptoms of heat stroke are panting, not responding to commands, anxious expression, dehydration, or rapid heartbeat.
Pets which recently moved from a cool to a warmer climate or have a history of heat stress are more vulnerable to heat strokes. Small pets, such as rabbits are smart enough in keeping themselves cool by lying near a frozen water bottle, but dogs cannot do that, so they should be kept in a cool area.
Sunburns Are Not Good For Your Pup
When summer arrives, people start grooming their pup’s fur, as it can cause heatstroke in warm days. But, pets with short haircuts often become victims of sunburn, so you should never give your pet a short haircut; instead keep the trimming process longer.
Generally, pets with white coats are often more susceptible to sunburns, and if your pup has a pink nose, then they can also get sunburn on their nose which increases the chances of skin cancer.
To prevent your pet from sunburn, ask your vet for a pet-safe sunscreen or keep them indoors when the temperature is high.
Never Assume Your Dog Is A Good Swimmer
There is no denying that dogs know how to swim from the beginning, but that doesn’t mean they’re good swimmers. They are often more excited to get in the water, so you have to keep a watchful eye on them.
And if somehow dogs jump into a swimming pool, it can be difficult for them to get out without any help or they can drown in the water.
If you want to protect your dog from drowning, then teach it how to swim safely. You can take help from a professional trainer to train your pet for such activities or you can also invest in a life jacket for your pup so that it can swim safely in the pool.
Keep The Paws Cool
It is normal for asphalt or metallic surfaces to get really hot in warm days, which can be dangerous for the paws of your pup.
So, try to keep your four-legged friend off hot surfaces. Walking on hot surfaces will not only burn their paws, it can also increase their body temperature and that might lead to heatstroke.
However, if you cannot avoid walking on hot ground with your dog, then consider purchasing booties for them. Check your pet’s paws for redness, blisters, and cracks on regular basis during warm days.
Provide Your Pup With Fresh Drinking Water And Shade
Dogs often get much thirstier than us in the warm days, and they have no other way to cool down rather than drinking and panting. Provide them with enough water so that they don’t have to suffer from dehydration.
Also, don’t forget to keep your pet in shade as often as possible. Keeping dogs indoors or in shaded areas help them cool down and also protect them from sunburn and other diseases.
Protect Your Pup From Parasites
Mosquitoes and fleas spread more diseases in warm days. So, it is necessary to take your pet for regular check-ups and ensure that it is protected from parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
If the dog is not protected from such insects, then it can cause heartworm, Lyme disease, high fever and some other nasty diseases.
Also, keep in mind that if you don’t treat these diseases on time, then you can also be a victim of them, as such diseases are contagious.
Keep Your Dog On Leash
As the summer begins, the time for running around, sightseeing, and exploring new places also begins. And if you take your pet with you for these activities, you probably don’t want to lose sight of them.
It is easy for a dog to get distracted in an unfamiliar environment which can be dangerous for your pet. So, you have to ensure that you keep your pet on a leash at all times.
Also, don’t forget that every dog is not trained to be off-leash and responsive when called by someone.
Make sure you have a great bonding with your pup, and you completely understand your dog’s behaviour before heading out for any activity.
Measure The Weight Of Your Pup Every Once In A While
Winter is the time when dogs eat a lot and put on some extra pounds, as many people don’t exercise their pets in winter. But, summer is the perfect time to increase their energy level and get them in shape by making them exercise.
If your pet maintains a healthy weight through its lifetime, then it might live 2-3 years longer than an overweight pet. But, don’t be too harsh while training your dog; consult your vet first and then implement any kind of exercise.
Taking care of your dog is your responsibility, whether it’s summer or winter. So, follow these tips to make summer a pleasant time of year for your pet.
