DogExpress
Guest post!
Summer weather in Dubai is more of a staple than a seasonal effect. In the traditionally labeled summer months, Dubai experiences its hottest with the average temperature peaking upwards of 45°C (113°F). Even in the coldest of months, Dubai sits at around 19°C (66°F).
For residents, Dubai’s tropical desert climate makes it the perfect destination to spend time outdoors. But for residents with dogs, such a tropical climate may spell disaster. With limited sources for heat exchange, dogs don’t experience the heat the same way we do. This usually means that such high temperatures can be doubly hard on our furry friends.
When the mercury is rising, here are some cool ways to keep your favorite canine friend safe in the summer heat.
1. Exercise in the early morning or late evening
While exercise is an important part of a dog’s daily routine, when summer rolls around, consider altering your daily walk schedule to early in the morning or late in the evening. Walking with your dog during the cooler periods of the day ensures they’re at a lesser risk of heat stroke. Plus, hot pavements can cause serious injury for your dog’s paw pads.
2. Offer plenty of shade
If you are unable to alter the schedule of your daily walk routine, the best vets in Dubai advise taking plenty of breaks during your walk, and finding comfortable patches of shade so you and your dog can cool off. Make sure that when you are out walking with your dog, you bring plenty of fresh, cool water, with ice cubes if possible.
A kiddie pool or a sprinkler will also help if your dog has to stay outdoor for an extended period of time.
3. Take care of at-risk dogs
Certain dog breeds are better adapted to heat and tropical climates. A German Shepherd in Dubai may be able to tolerate the heat with appropriate hydration, but snub-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs or Boston Terriers may be more sensitive to rising temperatures.
Ensure that such dog breeds are given special attention during the summer months as they are more sensitive to rising temperatures.
4. Grooming is essential
While getting rid of mats or tangles will aid in keeping your canine companion cool, before shaving or clipping your dog’s fur, pay a visit to your local vet or groomer. They can advise you on the best way to maintain your dog’s coat to ensure maximum airflow across their skin.
Don’t forget to frequently brush your dog’s fur. Doing so keeps their coat comfortable, shiny, and healthy.
5. Use dog accessories
Surfaces such as cement and asphalt can play havoc on your dog’s paw pads. And as heat rises from the ground and your furry friend releases heat through their paw pads, a combination of the two during rising temperatures can cause severe paw troubles for your friend. Remember, if it’s too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for your dog.
But if your schedule doesn’t permit an early morning or late evening walk, be sure to equip your dog with some doggie boots. Just like their winter counterparts, doggie boots isolate the heat keeping your dog’s paws safe from the sweltering concrete.
6. Know the signs of dehydration
Dogs are more susceptible to dehydration than we are. And unfortunately, they won’t be able to tell you that they’re already suffering from symptoms of dehydration. It’s up to us as owners to be responsible, and know the signs of dehydration. Watch out for symptoms which include the items below.
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Dry nose and gums
- Excess panting
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of skin elasticity
If any of these symptoms present themselves, immediately offer clean cool water. A trip to the vet may also be warranted.
7. Never leave your dog in a parked car
In warm weather, parked cars essentially work like ovens. Temperatures can quickly soar within a closed car. Even with a window or two cracked open, in a matter of minutes, a dog sitting in a parked car can experience heat stroke, heat stress, dehydration or even worse.
If you are unable to bring your dog to the places you need to go to, leave your dog at home.
After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
While most residents of Dubai welcome the warm weather the city brings, those with canine companions must be cautious with rising temperatures. Remember that dogs react to environmental heat far differently than we do. We must take care as responsible owners to ensure our furry friends can safely enjoy the summer sunshine as much as we can.
DISCLAIMER: DogExpress does not endorse or take responsibility for the content in the guest post.
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in Chandigarh, India. 
