We all look forward to the freedom of great outdoors this summer with promises of picnics and barbeques, camping trips, etc. But it’s also important to make our pets’ safety a priority. After all, the only means by which dogs regulate their body temperature during the hot days is by panting through their mouth and sweating through their paws.
5 Tips to keep your pets safe from some common summer hazards :
1). Provide plenty of water and shade
Summers can naturally dehydrate pets and in order to avoid any complications caused due to dehydration, it is very necessary for you to ensure that your pets consume more than the recommended quantity in the summers. Though pets may not lose much water through sweat, they can lose it through other ways like drooling. Drinking plenty of water will help them stay cool. Keep a water dish inside and outside, and refill it with fresh, clean, cold water daily.
2). Know the signs of heat stress
Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature. This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result.
Heat strokes generally start with heat exhaustion. Both are dangerous situations for any dog. To reduce your pets body temperature and prevent a fatal heat stroke from affecting them, here are some symptoms which indicate heat exhaustion or a heat stroke in your dogs :
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting with blood
- Rapid panting
- Reddening skin inside the ears
- Coma
- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Depression
- Weakness and dizziness
- Shock
If you see these symptoms, get your dog inside quickly to a cooler area with shade or near a fan, and offer some fresh water. Dampen the skin with lukewarm water and allow it to air-dry and seek a vets advice immediately.
3). Never leave your pet in the car
You should never leave your dog in the car. In the summer months, the temperature rises and can sometimes reach extremes. If your dog is locked in the car, they can get very uncomfortable and could even suffer from a heat stroke. In extreme cases, it can even be fatal.
4). Don’t shave your pet
Shaving prevents cool air from getting to the skin because the undercoat is still present. And a shaved coat doesn't protect against the sun either, which exposes your dog to greater risks of overheating, sunburn and even skin cancer. It is always best to consult with a professional groomer before shaving any dog.
5). Walk your pet during cooler hours of the day
Walk and exercise your dog only in the early morning and late evening. Never do it in the middle of the day which can cause them to pant more due to the physical activity being carried out in the heat which can lead to faster dehydration. When outside, take breaks in the shade and make water available to them at all times
The summer months can be uncomfortable and even dangerous—for pets. You can help keep your pets safe and cool this summer by simply considering the above precautionary measures.