Are you keeping your pet cool this summer? Remember that keeping pets cool during the summer is crucial to their health and well-being. We should all keep our dogs comfortable and safe in the heat. Dogs and other pets face various discomforts, especially due to excessive heat. Events such as heatstroke are also common. So it is important to keep your dog calm and cool. Below are some doable methods that should be followed to avoid these problems.
Provide Plenty of Water
Like humans, pets should not drink hot water to keep cool. Summers are more thirsty than other times, and running water is preferred by dogs as warm water is not effective in quenching thirst. So make sure your pets are always provided with fresh, clean water. Place water bowls in various places around the house or yard for them to drink from. You can add ice cubes to keep the water cold for longer. But, of course, the ice cubes should be free of germs.
Create a Cool Environment
The first stage of a calm environment is “morning.” That is, the environment is naturally calm in the morning until the sun rises. Now is the perfect time to take your pet outside. Also, make sure you have a shaded area that can keep them away from direct sunlight. Keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning. Provide cool, tiled areas for pets to lie on. Invest in cooling mats or pads that help regulate your pet’s body temperature.
Adjust Exercise Routines
You need to schedule exercise for your dog during the summer. Exercise pets during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Never exercise a dog when the weather is warmer or the intensity is high. If you think your dog is going to get sick, you should stop the exercises that your dog does regularly.
Never Leave Pets in Cars
The inside of a car feels hotter than the summer heat outside. For example, if it is 22°C outside, the temperature inside the car can reach 47°C within an hour. This temperature is enough to cause heatstroke in a dog. So never leave pets in a parked car.
Grooming
Regularly brush your pet to remove excess fur and help with air circulation. For some breeds, consider trimming their fur, but avoid shaving them down to the skin.
Protect Paws
Avoid walking pets on hot asphalt or sand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Consider using pet booties to protect their feet.
Consider Buying Them Some Cooling Products
To keep your dog cool in summer, you can buy some products like cooling vests or bandanas, mats, ball fans, etc., designed to keep your dog cool.
Regular Vet Check-ups
Your dog should have regular check-ups. Care should be taken to ensure he remains healthy. If you notice anything unusual, you must consult a veterinarian.
