DogExpress
Latest Modified on: March 3rd, 2021
As the warmer weather is approaching, most people are starting to think about ways of protecting themselves and their four-legged friends from the high temperatures. Some people might say that dogs have fur – what kind of protection could they possibly need?
Make no mistake, they need protection just as much as you. So, here are some tips that should help you make this summer much more bearable for your pooch.
1. Protect your Dog’s Skin
The most common form of cancer in dogs is skin cancer, which is why you should make sure your dog’s skin is shielded from the sun at all times. For example, if there are any spots on your pet without much hair, like ears and belly, you should cover those areas with pet sunblock every 3-4 hours.
Also, while cutting your dog’s coat short might seem like a logical thing to do, don’t. At least not before checking with your vet whether it’s the right thing to do. If your dog’s coat is thin, it shouldn’t be shaved, because it can actually help your dog regulate its body temperature. On the other hand, if it’s thick, then it might be a good idea to trim it slightly.
2. Make sure it has everything it needs
If your dog is always outside, you should make sure it has plenty of shade to hide from the sun, especially if it’s usually chained to its house or inside a fenced area. Needless to say, it should also have more than enough freshwater, since dogs can only sweat through their footpads.
This means that they can’t cool off as easily as humans can, which is why providing your dog with fresh water at all times is a must. Just don’t forget to place the water bowl in a shade, so it stays cool longer.
3. Prepare well for traveling
In case you’re planning to go on vacation with your pup during summer, there are a few extra preparation steps you should take. Of course, you should have enough fresh water for both yourself and your pet. Moreover, if you’re planning on going swimming, consider getting a life-jacket with handles for your dog; even the strongest swimmers can get tired, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
However, if you happen to forget something, don’t worry. You can always order pet supplies online and have them delivered to you in no time. Finally, if you’re traveling by car, never ever leave your dog inside. Not even for 15 minutes, as temperatures can climb really high and really fast in summer, even with cracked windows.
4. Exercise Wisely
When it comes to exercising your dog, avoid the warmest hours of the day. This is especially important if you have a dog with a short snout, like a Bulldog, Pug, or Boxer, because such dogs can’t pant as efficiently.
If exercising with your dog implies swimming in your backyard pool, teach your dog how to get out of it on its own in case it ever falls in. Moreover, your pup should never be unsupervised near your pool, regardless of how many times it has swum in it. Also, be aware of the fact that not all dogs were born to swim. True, all of them can swim in theory, but some dogs don’t find it as entertaining.
Read Also: Common Summer Health Problems In Dogs
Summer can be rough for both humans and pets. However, by ensuring that your dog is well protected from the heat, you can preserve its health and make summers much more enjoyable for it.
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in Chandigarh, India. 
