Are heatwaves and heatwaves coming? Here’s how to protect your dog

Water…everywhere
Like humans, dogs sweat and lose water, mainly through glands in their paws. They can lose up to a liter of water a day – the more water they lose, the greater the risk of overheating. Provide multiple watering points, evenly distributed throughout your home, during the summer to protect your dog from overheating and dehydration. Many pets love to drink from rainwater or muddy puddles simply because they have a different and interesting smell.

Take advantage of the shade
Sunstroke can easily be induced by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, so if you are outdoors make sure there are shaded areas where your dog can relax and recharge. Most dogs naturally gravitate towards shadier places, but it’s good to keep an eye on your dog and watch for signs of sunstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, red gums, lack of color, or loss of consciousness. If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, take him into the shade immediately and pour cooler water on him to lower his body temperature.

How to prevent pets from getting sick in summer: read here.

Leave the car at home
There is no safe time to leave a dog alone in a car, especially in the summer months, when the temperature inside the car rises and far exceeds the temperature outside. In the car, dogs can develop heat stroke in as little as 15 minutes. A closed car can reach double the temperature outside, and even with water and windows open, cars are not a safe space for dogs in the summer. Do your best to leave your car at home or make car trips as short and infrequent as possible.

Long walks on the beach or by the sea
Long walks on the beach are a big NO for your pup, but a bath is a great way to keep him cool. A cold water bath can do wonders to lower your dog’s body temperature. Not all dogs enjoy swimming in water, but encourage them to try it in a controlled, safe environment. Dogs have sensitive feet that can get burned or injured if the ground they walk on is too hot, so if you’re at the beach, make a conscious effort to limit the time your dog walks on the sand.

A cold aperitif
Humans aren’t the only creatures who like cold food in hot weather. Store food e.g dog treats in the fridgeto serve cold and offer them wet food. A cold meat dish is the perfect summer dinner to increase your water intake. Order wet dog food here, on offer!

Relax by the pool
When you don’t have access to the beach, invest in a wading pool for your dog to play in. In a shady area of ​​the garden, fill a pool with cold water, but don’t make it too cold as this could cause your dog to go into heat shock due to the drastic changes in temperature on a very hot day. This will help lower your furry friend’s body temperature and absorb water through their skin and paws, ensuring they are hydrated and cool.

Sunscreen is also for dogs
Yes, dogs can get sunburnt and yes, sunscreen is for dogs too. Parts of the body with less hair are more at risk of sunburn in the summer, and dogs with lighter hair are more at risk, so use a sunscreen specifically designed for canine use. Sunburn for dogs is not only painful, but, as with humans, it can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Hair cutting and hair care bring refreshment
Much of the fight against overheating can be done at home, before walking the dog. Most dogs will start to shed as summer arrives, so regular brushing will get rid of old hair that could make them even hotter. This is especially important if your dog is going through a summer shedding or has a heavy coat.

Protect your chicken from parasites
Continue regular grooming sessions with your dog to not only get rid of old hair but also look for any unwanted guests it has picked up from outside. Before tick season begins (May/June), make sure your dog is protected and that you are prepared to face these enemies. Ticks and other biting insects hide in tall grass and like to attach themselves to the skin of pets and people. Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme, so check your dog if you go for a walk on the grass: if they have such a tick on their body, remove it yourself or take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Here are other useful tips, in an article on the Petmax.ro blog