While Summer is a fun time for dogs, it also causes a lot of distress to them.
Dogs love being outdoors and summer is the perfect time for some hard play and long walks in parks and beaches. It is also a wonderful time to pack your luggage and go on a much-awaited summer vacation with your Dog. Summer is essential for every Dog’s health.
Even though the weather can be challenging, with a planned diet and scheduled walks, the dog can maintain their physical and mental health overall having some fun time. Overdoing anything could be dangerous for your Dog.
We might not realize it but Dogs may not also feel uncomfortable if it is too hot. Extreme heat can cause heatstroke, lethargy, and sickness just like how we feel.
Here are a few of the symptoms that indicate that your dog is dehydrated:
Early Stages:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Gums and tongue are bright red
- Difficulty maintaining balance.
Advanced Stages:
- Gums that are white or blue
- Lethargy, unwillingness to move
- Uncontrollable urination or defecation
- Labored, noisy breathing
- Shock
Today, let us look at some tips to keep your Dog cool and healthy during the summer making this season a memorable one for them.
- Firstly, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are all up to date. Sometimes, summers can provoke sicknesses, such as tick fever and bacterial diseases.
- Contact your vet to understand the implications of summer on your Dog’s health. As they say, it’s always better to take precautions rather than wait for a cure later.
- Keep your home cool. If your house is too hot for your Dog, then wipe your Dog with cold water dipped piece of cloth at least once or twice a day. Let them stay in a room that has a fan or an A.C.
- Make sure your Dog bowl is filled with fresh water. Even if you’re going for a walk, carry a water bottle and a bowl with you.
- Dogs with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, are more prone to sunburn easily than other Dogs. For such Dogs, it is necessary to limit their exposure to the sun and try to keep them in the shade during their walks.
- Apply sunscreen to your Dog's ear and coats before taking them outside.
- If you are taking your Dog to a beach, do not allow them to drink salt water. Saltwater tends to make them sick.
- On extremely hot days, avoid playing and going for walks. It is always recommended to take your Dog for walks in the early mornings, late afternoons or evenings.
- Dogs with short legs, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have a hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
- Do not lock the windows of the car while leaving your dog alone. Ensure you have a cooling pad on their bed, a sunshade on the window and keep ice packs with you. If the drive is longer than expected, wrap them in a towel and wipe down your dog.
- Keep your Dog’s paws wet and keep a check on their weight. Add watermelons, cucumbers, strawberries, mangoes, yogurt, buttermilk, coconut water, and bananas to their meal.
- Avoid heat-producing foods such as chicken, lamb, pork, and cod in larger quantities.
During summer, every dog breed can react in a different way. For some, the impact might be less than for others. It is always recommended to have a discussion with your vet regarding their diet chart, walks, and exercise routine. Remember, Dogs are part of the family, so it is our responsibility to treat them well.