Summer is here, and the heat can be unbearable for your furry friends. Dogs may need a lot of care and attention during the summer. Dogs cannot sweat like we do, so they have to rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. But panting can only go so far; dogs need shade and water to stay cool. If you see your dog panting heavily or exhibiting other signs of overheating, take him inside immediately
Here are five things you can do to keep your dog safe this summer
1.Keep them hydrated.
Keep water bowls fresh and you can add a few ice cubes to their bowl. Some people freeze chicken broth in ice trays and put them in the water bowl. We share our icy pops with ours. (watch sugar intake) To accelerate cooling in an emergency, you can soak their pads in cold water and get them inside to cool down right away.
2. Take them swimming
Dogs love to swim. They are natural swimmers and can easily learn to enjoy it. This is a great way to cool them off in hot weather and exercise their bodies at the same time. It's also great fun for both you and your dog. You can buy a kiddie pool as a substitute and let them play in that.
3. Don't forget about shade!
Dogs can get sunburned just like humans can. Make sure that they're always staying out of direct sunlight. Find a shady road or wait until early morning or late afternoon to go for your walk. You should try to keep him indoors during the hottest parts of the day (between noon and 5pm). If your dog is elderly or overweight, it's best not to let them out in the heat at all during these times. Do not bring them with you on your errands during the day if you are not going to leave them in the car with the a/c running. Even if you park in the shade and put the windows down, it is still sweltering outside and they will overheat very quickly.
4. Shave fur shorter
If you have a dog with long hair, consider shaving his coat shorter in the summer months. This can help keep him cool and protect him from sunburns when he's outside. If your dog has a double coat, you may want to trim his hair instead of shaving him completely.
5. Bathe often
Dogs don't sweat like people do, as noted. So, they may need extra baths during the hot months of the year. Bathing them will help them cool off and remove dirt and debris that could irritate their skin and lead to infections or other problems throughout the year.
Thank you for reading, Have a happy and safe summer.
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