We all love going out when the sun is here, especially in the summer. Of course, we need to take our best friends- the dogs- to all of our activities. You can also have a lot of fun with your dog but it is worth remembering that when the temperature is too high, it can leave many negative effects on your dog such as dehydration and being overheated. Therefore, it is important that you keep your dog cool all the time. Here are some tips on what to do to keep your dog cool in summer:
Never leave your dog in your car alone
Your car can absorb heat very fast. If the outside temperate is about 30 degrees, a parked car under the shadow will soon absorb the heat and climb up to 50 degrees in 1 hour. Your dog can be easily overheated in it, even with the car window open. Furthermore, leaving your dog in your car alone is illegal in many states in America.
The ideal temperature when your car is running should be around 25 degrees.
If the temperature is more than 30 degrees, you should not take your dog out. If your dog gets overheated for a long period of time, its body will find it difficult to cool down.
Give your dog water frequently
Remember to bring fresh water and let him drink it frequently.
Place a bowel filled with water near your dogs. And if the bowl is empty, you should refill it immediately.
Make sure the bowl is clean. Never leave the bowl under the sun all time because the bowl will be hot and starts to have a strange smell and bacteria. Your dog, if he is picky, will refuse to eat from that bowl.
Avoid playing too much
If you are walking with your dog and he starts laying down or dragging you into the shades, it means he is tired and dehydrated. The same thing applies when you are playing with him. If you see it panting and having trouble chasing and running, you should stop the activity and get him some water.
If you want to have some exercises with your dog, do it in the early morning or the late afternoon, when the sun sets and the temperature drops down. This also applies to the walking routine of you and your dogs.
Give your dog some cooling accessories
You can help your dog wear a cooling vest with cold packs. You can also provide your dog with a cooling mat for him to lie down in.
Remember to apply the screen to your dog’s fur and skin. Although your dog has very thick and furry coats, they are still prone to UV rays. You could apply UV protectant sunblock for dogs to their fur and skin can help them to prevent sunburn and keep them healthy against the damage of UV rays.
You should not give your dog ice. Ices are used when you want to decrease the temperature in a rapid way, and this way could harm your dog because it restricts your dog’s blood flow.
Keep them in a cool place
You could place your dog in a pool to help them cool down. Your dog has sweat glands in its paws. If the paws are cool, they will support maintaining a good temperature in your dog’s body.
Make sure your dog stays out of the sun. If you are outside, let him stay in a shaded area that is away from the direct light. When you go on a picnic, you should bring a sunshade or a canopy for your dog to rest in.
Know some symptoms showing that your dog doesn’t get enough water
These signs include:
- Excessive panting
- Dry mouth and thick saliva
- Dry and rough nose
- Sunken eyes
- Very dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- More severe symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and coma.
If you see these signs, you need to cool him down right away. If the symptoms don’t disappear and get worse, you need to consult the vet immediately or he will get heatstroke.
Here are all tips that you could do to help your dog maintain a cool temperature and good health during the hot summer days so that he could enjoy the summer as much as you do.
