All of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our furry companions during summer. It can be fun, but we need to be careful as hot weather can spell danger for our pets. If we learn how to care for pets in warm weather, we can keep them comfortable and happy.
As temperatures soar, we have to take certain preventive measures to ensure that our pets are all right in the heat. To keep our four-legged friend cheery and fit during the heatwave, we can adapt to some easy safeguards.
The article below provides some simple tips to help keep our pets healthy, cool and safe in the hot weather.
Provide Fresh, Clean Water
Pets can become dehydrated quickly during summer. Make sure that you offer them ample fresh, clean water when the weather is hot or humid outside.
Replenish your pet’s water supply regularly. Try to keep your pets in a shaded cool place to evade the direct heat of the sun. Steer clear of over-exercising your pets and keep them at home when the weather is hot outside.
There are plenty of ways you can persuade your dog to drink more such as adding flavours to their drinking water, preparing pet ice lollies and playing with garden sprinklers.
Dogs need ample fresh clean water when they are at home, in the garden, or while going out on walks. You can take a travel water bowl or portable water so that your pet can have water outside. In case you forget to take these items, your pet will happily drink water from your hands.
Do Not Leave Pets Alone in a Car
Though it is unfortunate it is more common than we think. There have been numerous reports of owners leaving their pets in the car. As temperature rises quickly inside a car during hot summers, avoid leaving your furry friend alone in a parked vehicle. Your pet can have a fatal heatstroke.
Opening windows in the car is not sufficient. There has to be proper air-conditioning. Likewise, be cautious about keeping dogs in the boot while driving.
Heatstroke in Pets
Pets can have heat stroke in warmer weather. It is one of the most common illnesses and occurs when your dog is unable to control its body temperature. The symptoms of overheating include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, dry or pale gums, mild weakness, or even collapse. Your pet can also suffer from seizures and vomiting along with a high body temperature of over 104 degrees. If left unchecked, heatstroke can prove to be fatal for dogs.
In case your dog is having a heat stroke, keep your dog out of the sun and shelter your pet in a shaded cool place. Make sure you have ample shady spots in the house and in the garden so that your dog can retreat when the weather gets too hot. Drizzle cool water on the back of its neck. Contact your vet for further consultations.
Keep Flat-Faced Pets in Cool Places
Pets like Pugs and Persian cats have flat faces and are prone to heatstroke as they cannot pant effectively. Such pets, along with the elderly and the overweight, can be placed in a cool air-conditioned room as much as possible. Keep them hydrated and avoid being outside midday.
If you have to take them for walks, opt for early morning or evening walks. Come up with indoor games that allow your pet to get some exercise at home.
Walking Your Dog in the Afternoon
As I have already mentioned in the earlier point, avoid taking your pets on walks in the afternoon. Your pet’s body can warm up quickly on hot asphalt.
Paw pads of dogs are sensitive, and they can give a burning sensation on the hot surface. Even a short walk on hot pavements, asphalt, or artificial grass can cause severe pain. Keep away from walks at this time. The best timings for taking your pets for a walk are in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is relatively cool.
Refrain From Shaving your Pets
Most people feel that they are helping their pets by getting rid of their furry coats. But it is not true. The layers of dogs’ coats act as a sun barrier and protect them from overheating and sunburn. To care for pets in warm weather, you can trim longer hair but resist shaving them. Regular grooming of your dog can help to control their temperature and let more air cool the skin’s surface.
Minimise Heat at Home
Exposure to direct sunlight can harm pets. You can find a place in the shade for your pets such as under a tree in the garden or move indoor cages away from the window.
Pulling the curtains in the room can further help your pets. Maintain cool temperature at home by setting up fans across the rooms or air-conditioning it. Your pet can retreat in the rooms when they get too hot.
Cool Clothing
You can purchase some cool clothing for your dog that are widely available in the market. For instance, you can purchase some cooling coats and bandanas for your dog. There are various choices available. Some are activated by water that cools your dog while others can be put in the freezer so that it offers instant respite from increasing temperatures.
Wet Towels
You can keep your dog cool by putting out damp towels or blankets for them to rest on. Just place the towel under a cold tap and squeeze out excess water. Make it into a cooling mat and place them anywhere in your house or garden.
Refresh the towel with cold water at regular intervals. It will help to keep your dog cool in summer and prevent their paws and stomach from becoming too hot. You can also buy a cool mat online and help to keep your dog cool in summer.
Be Careful Around Pools
Summer means spending time around swimming pools. Avoid leaving your pets unguarded around a pool, swimming pool, or large areas of water during summer. Especially, if you are having a dog as your pet, be careful as not all dogs are good swimmers.
Gradually, familiarize your pets with water. Try to ensure that they wear flotation devices while on boats. Keep your dog away from drinking pool water as it has chlorine and other chemicals. Cleanse your dog after swimming to take out chlorine or salt from his fur.
The above tips on how to care for pets in warm weather would help to keep your pets healthy and safe during summer. With simple precautions, you can frolic around with your pet safely. There is no need to worry, and you can take pleasure in your pet’s company every moment!
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