Follow the waves of heat and heat? Here’s how to protect your dog

Every year, TV stations and online news outlets inform us that Romania needs to be ready for some of the warmest days of the year – so it’s important to think about how we can keep our pets safe and cool during high temperatures. Our pets can easily get too hot and become dehydrated. Even when they show slight signs, many things are often overlooked. The sun gives our pets long summer days outside, so it is vital to pay attention to pet safety during a heat wave.

Water . everywhere

Like us, dogs sweat and lose water, mainly through their paws. They can lose up to one liter of water daily: the more water they lose, the higher the risk of overheating. Provide multiple spots for drinking water, evenly placed at home during the summer, to help prevent overheating and dehydration in dogs. Many pets enjoy drinking rainwater or muddy puddles simply because they have a different and interesting scent.

Utilize the shade

Heat exhaustion can be easily caused by long exposure to direct sunlight, so if you’re outside, ensure there are shaded areas where the dog can rest and cool down. Most dogs naturally seek out shadier spots, but it is wise to keep a close eye on your dog and watch for signs of overheating, like excessive panting, drooling, pale gums, and loss of consciousness. If your pet shows signs of overheating, take them to the shade right away and give them some cool water to help lower their body temperature.

Leave the car at home

There is no safe time to leave a dog alone in a vehicle, especially during summer when the temperature inside can rise significantly higher than outside. In a vehicle, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion in just 15 minutes. A closed car can reach double the outside temperature, and even with windows down, cars are not a safe place for dogs in summer. Try your best to keep your car at home or take short and infrequent trips with your pets.

A new life for your dog –

Long walks on the beach or by the water

Long walks on the beach aren’t ideal for your dog, but swimming is an excellent way to stay cool. A dip in cold water can work wonders to lower your dog’s body temperature. Not all dogs enjoy swimming, but encourage them to give it a try in a safe and controlled setting. Dogs have sensitive paws that can get burned or injured if the ground is too hot, so when you’re at the beach, make an effort to limit the time they spend walking on hot sand.

A cold snack

Humans are not the only ones who enjoy chilled food when it’s warm outside. Keep food and dog treats in the fridge for a cool meal and their wet food. Fresh meat is a great summer dish that helps with hydration. Order wet food for dogs here, at a discount!

Chill by the pool

If you can’t go to the beach, get a kiddie pool for your dog to enjoy. In a shaded area of your yard, fill a pool with cool water, but not too cold as that might shock your dog with sudden temperature changes on really hot days. This helps lower body temperature and lets them take in water through their skin and paws, keeping them hydrated and cool.

How the dog’s influence influence diet – and which oral hygiene objects should not be missing

Sun protection is for dogs too

Yes, dogs can get sunburned and yes, sunblock is also for dogs. The areas of their body with less fur are more likely to get sunburn in the summer, and the dogs with less fur are at higher risk, so sunblock made for dogs should be used. Sunburn for dogs is not only painful, but like with humans, it can raise the risk of skin cancer.

Grooming and care help with cooling

Much of the battle against overheating can be fought at home before heading out with your dog. Many dogs will start shedding their fur at the beginning of summer, so regular brushing will remove all the old hair that could make them feel even hotter. This is especially important if your dog has double fur or a thick coat.

Keep your dog safe from pests

Regular grooming sessions not only help to remove old hair, but also let you check for any unwanted pests they may have picked up outside. Before tick season starts (May/June), make sure your dog is protected and ready for these pests. Ticks and other biting insects hide in tall grass and love to latch onto the skin of pets and people. Ticks can carry diseases, like Lyme, so check your dog after walks in the grass: if you find a tick on their body, either remove it carefully or take them to the vet quickly.