Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Safe in Hot Weather

Summer comes with a lot of excitement and a holiday mood to relax and enjoy. However, soaring temperatures can turn dreadful for your four-legged friends. Therefore, it is important to take serious measures to keep the dog calm and healthy during the plummeting summertime.

How can I make my dog feel comfortable in summer? 

Keep water bowls:

Please make sure that you place extra water bowls and fill the bowls at regular intervals for your pets. Just like humans drink more liquids during high-temperature conditions, even dogs need them to keep themselves hydrated in soaring temperatures. Of course, you can always add a few extra bowls of water around the house and backyard and carry a bottle during a dog walk.

Add fans and coolers:

With more than 35C during summers, living without fans is practically impossible. However, you can order small, specially designed-crate fans that target limited spaces. These fans and coolers are just perfect for your dog’s resting space. You can also get clip-on, battery-operated fans that are handy during car travel.

Cooling wraps:

Get cooling towels, wraps, and ice packs for your pup. Using a cooling mat makes a huge difference for your pets during their sleep hours. Several pet stores also sell ice pack neck collars and vests that are perfect during hot weather months. These are in the shape of wearable jackets or collars that are very soothing during the summer.

Read Also: Top Dog Breeds That Can Handle Indian Summer

Frozen treats:

Nobody enjoys hot food during summer, and everybody seeks ice creams and lollies. However, your dog will also relish cool treats like a block of ice or a small bowl of ice cream with no additional syrups or flavors. It is a very cooling and hydrating option for pets.

Boots for walking:

A pair of best-quality walking boots come in handy during the summer months. Hence, you must purchase great comfortable booties for your dog this summer. Paws are one of the most sensitive parts of any dog, requiring proper protection from harsh weather conditions. You can get small shoes that are more than summer protection for your pups.

Shade – shade, and shade:

Yes! Shade is one of the most direct and adequate protective gear you can add to your dog’s living space. For example, you can move the sleeping bed of your dog to a much more relaxed area with some proper shade to eliminate direct sunlight. You can also cover the backyard with temporary fabric shades or a gazebo to enjoy scorching afternoons in some shade.

Read Also: Tips For Keeping Your Senior Dog Cool This Summer!

Hair trim:

Your dog requires an apt summer cut if they are one of the hairy breeds. Grooming before summer breaks is a very crucial requirement. You can remove the first layer of the coat because many breeds, like huskies and retrievers, have a double coat. The thick hair traps the heat and makes breathing difficult during soaring temperatures.

Warning Signs You Should Watch Out For

Never leave your dogs and puppies in the car. This is a familiar thing to inform dog owners as they are already aware of not going with a pet in the hot car. Temperature tends to rise to a dangerous level in just a few minutes, which puts your dog at risk of heatstroke.

If you think opening the window can help, then you are wrong. The simple answer is NEVER to leave your pet alone in the car.

If you notice your dog panting, with an increased heart rate, drooling than usual, and pale gums, immediately resort to cooling measures or rush for emergency medical help to seek proper medical intervention.

There are the warning signs you should take care of

• Excessive panting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dry or pale gums
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Glassy-eyed expression
• Elevated body temperature

Things to Never Do to a Dog in Hot Weather

• Don’t leave them in a parked car.
• Over-exercise them during the hottest parts of the day
• Allow them to walk on hot pavement or asphalt
• Don’t leave them in direct sunlight without shade
• Give them access to untreated pool water or other standing water
• Force them to wear restrictive clothing or accessories
• Use ice water to cool them down too quickly
• Ignore warning signs of heatstroke or other heat-related issues
• Shave their coat too short, as this can increase their risk of sunburn and heatstroke
• Assume that all breeds can handle hot weather equally well

Conclusion

In hot weather, it is essential to take precautions to keep your dog comfortable and safe. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or over-exercising them, and provide shade, hydration, and access to water. Be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke and never ignore them.