Summer can be the perfect time to have fun with your four-legged friend. But the summer may also prove to be a challenging time for your dog.
The heat can be difficult for dogs to cope with, and the risk of heat exposure is very real. You need to be careful with your dog during the hottest months of the year. Here, we will look at how to care for your dogs in heat, symptoms of heat exposure, and how to care for your dogs while the weather is warm.
Dog walking during the summer
While your dog may love to go for a walk, there are some times when it simply isn’t safe. During hot days, keep dog walking to the bare minimum to reduce the likelihood of heat exposure. Before you even head out with your furry friend, press your hand to the ground outside, especially tarmac, for five seconds. If you can’t keep your hand there for this length of time, then it is too hot for dogs to walk on. Keep them out of the sun, with plenty of fresh water.
Take care when travelling
When you are out and about, it is all too tempting to leave your dog in the car for just a minute or two. But even a few minutes might prove dangerous for dogs. As strong as the heat is outdoors, it can be even more intense in a car. Never leave your dog alone in a locked car, especially during the hottest months – this is one of the best ways to keep them safe in the summer.
Symptoms of heat exposure
Signs to lookout for. An out-of-character slowing down of your dog. DO NOT ignore this, especially on a warm day. Your dog may show signs of dizziness, or low mood, and might even collapse. Other symptoms include excessive drooling, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. In more extreme cases, a dog may have a high heart rate and be breathing heavily, or show signs of muscle tremors and seizures.
What to do
Should your dog show any of these signs, it is important to remember this KEY POINT = WET THEN VET – Plunge in a bath of cold water, or use a garden hose. Give them small drinks of water. Keep doing this until their breathing settles. Ensure that they are moved to a cool and shady area. If you are still concerned, it is a good idea to contact a vet.
Cool and calm
Keeping your dogs cool as the temperatures climb can be difficult, but stress can cause them to move around more and overexert themselves. If your dog suffers from anxiety, calming them down during the summer months should be a priority. Pet Remedy can help your dog deal with pet stress the natural way. This simple to use treatment is vet-approved and can help immediately – keeping your dog calm without the need for sedation. This means that they are less likely to get worked up and overheat, keeping them safe for summer.
