Summer heat is difficult to bear for both humans and dogs. But unlike humans, who can use different techniques to withstand the heat better, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke. Here are six things that your dog should not suffer during the summer heat.
Leave him alone in the car.
The car can be a real danger for your dog. Under normal circumstances, but even more so in hot weather, a dog should not be left alone in your car, even if it is parked in the shade or with the windows ajar. Indeed, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise very quickly, and your dog can suffer a fatal heatstroke after only a few minutes.
Cooling him down too quickly
If you need to cool your dog down to help him cope with the summer heat, there are some things you should not do. When you wet your dog to lower his body temperature, it’s best to soak only his legs and belly. If the hair on his back gets wet, it can cause sunlight to reflect off him and be counterproductive. Also, do not use water that is too cold so as not to cause thermal shock.
Also, be careful when swimming! Your dog can run two risks: hydrocution and risk of poisoning and stomach torsion-dilation if he swallows too much water. It would help if you, therefore, wet your dog before he goes swimming, avoid swimming in a pool containing chlorine as well as in stagnant bodies of water where blue-green algae can proliferate. After each swim, take the time to rinse your dog with fresh water to avoid salt irritation and monitor your dog’s ears to prevent ear infections.
Make your dog work harder.
No one wants to make a physical effort in the heat. The same is true for dogs. In case of intense activity, your dog could suffer from heatstroke. To avoid this, it’s best to take your dog for walks in the cooler weather, early in the morning or early in the evening, in shady areas. Be careful because even if it is hot, the outings are still mandatory. You need to adjust the time of day. Of course, avoid sports that require intense or prolonged physical effort during a heatwave.
Do not make him drink.
To avoid dehydration, your dog should drink plenty of water. Depriving your dog of water could be very dangerous for his health. You should always have something to drink on hand. This can be a water bottle, a bowl or a water fountain. The key is to make sure your dog has enough to drink, especially on the hottest days. You can also give your dog watermelon to eat if he has trouble drinking.
Don’t think about his fragile paws.
Your dog has fragile paw pads that need to be cared for. If they come into contact with hot asphalt or sand, their paws can get burned. It’s up to you to test the temperature of the ground with your hand or your foot. If it seems too hot, take care of your dog and have him walk on the grass or put him in dog shoes.
Not protecting him from the sun.
Also, consider fitting your car with a sunshade. The sun’s rays can also burn your dog during a car ride. If your car is equipped with one, turn on the air conditioning during your trips and avoid, if possible, driving in the afternoon, when the sun heats the most.
If you take your dog to the beach, get an umbrella with a UV filter. Also, remember to protect his nose with dog sunscreen and don’t shear your dog for the summer. His coat also serves to protect him from the sun’s rays.