7 Tips to Protect Your Dogs From Summer Heat
If you are living in a place that is hot for most of the year, you should know how draining it is to the body and mind. Being drenched in sweat and exhaustion can suck all your energy out. Now think about your dog’s suffering who also has fur.
One of the most common signs of overheating in dogs is panting. Just as we humans sweat to cool down, dogs cool themselves by panting.
Here are 7 highly effective tips to keep your dogs cool during the scorching heat of the summer.
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Keep them Well-Hydrated
One of the best ways to help your dogs beat the heat is by keeping them well-hydrated. Always place a bowl of fresh, cold water near your dog so that they can drink it whenever they want. While travelling with your dog, carry a water bottle for them just as you carry one for yourself. Look to increase their fluid intake during extreme hot climates.
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Walk them When It’s Cooler
Dogs typically need some physical activity daily to stay healthy and fit. However, walking them during strong mid-day sun can be highly dangerous. You should also postpone activities like fetching and running when it is cool, especially in the evening. This is because rigorous activities in the noon can put them at risk of heatstroke. You may also take your dogs for a walk early in the morning when it is fairly cooler.
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Make a Shaded, Cool Spot to Relax
Dogs often look for a cool spot instinctively to sit and relax. If there isn’t one, you can create shade by using portable sunshades or patio umbrellas. Another option is to buy them a cooling dog bed that offers a snug and inviting spot for your dogs to rest. These beds are ideal for senior dogs who are experiencing the problem of arthritis.
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Give an Ice Pack, Cooling Mat or Wet Cloth to Lay on
As simple as it sounds, offering an ice pack, cooling mat or a wet cloth significantly helps in lowering your dog’s body temperature when it is hot outside. Use an ice pack wrapped in a blanket and put it in your dog’s bed to help your dog cool down on a hot summer day. Cooling mats are also ideal for giving a chilling effect to dogs, especially when they are sitting on the ground. You can also use a wet towel, where you can drench it in cold water and drape it over your dogs.
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Get a Fan for Them
Many houses are not equipped with ACs. In that case, you can place a fan next to your dog’s usual sitting spot and provide them with an extra cool wind by putting some frozen bottles in front of it. Also, make sure that your dogs can avoid the breeze if they want to.
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Give them a Gravy Dog Food
Including gravy dog food in your dog’s diet keeps them healthy and well-hydrated during the blistering heat of the summer. A diet like Brunos Wild Essentials Canned Gravy Dog Food
Is ideal for dogs of all stages and also consists of prebiotics for a healthy gut. Chicken is the main constituent of this diet and it tempts even the pickiest of eaters. The high protein content of this food also helps in building strong muscle mass in dogs.
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Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
Cars can get absurdly hot within a short amount of time. This is why you should never leave your dogs alone in your car, not even for minutes. Also, keep the air conditioning on while driving with your dog or when you are in a parked car with them. You should also avoid parking your car in direct sunlight when your dog is in the car.
In Short,
With the help of these seven tips, your fido will ace this summer by feeling as cool as a cucumber. Yet, at any time, if you see your dogs salivating, panting heavily, or foaming from the mouth, take them to a cooler spot and let them sip cold water. If you still don’t see any improvement, contact your vet without any delay.