Hot weather is here, calling for outdoor fun with our dogs. That means longer walks in the park, an early morning hike, hanging out at the beach or maybe a weekend adventure! But with the sun shining bright, the season can also pose some risks to our furry friends, including being prone to sunburn and heatstroke. Fret not – here’s a guide to dog care in the summer so they can be happier and healthier this season!
Outdoor dog care in the summer
Help your pooch beat the heat during the dog days of summer with these tips:
Take walks in the early morning or evenings.
Increased temperature can make pavement and sand extremely hot, making your dogs uncomfortable or burning their paws when exposed for a prolonged period. Make sure to schedule your walks during the cooler hours of the day, and, if possible, choose grassy and shaded routes.
Always carry water.
Dogs get thirstier than their humans when it gets hot, so always bring a bottle of water, ice packs or even wet towels if you plan to be out for extended periods. This is a must, especially if you have senior pets or breeds that are susceptible to heat stroke.
If you’re at the beach, provide your dog with plenty of fresh water. Don’t let them drink seawater as salt can make them sick.
Be mindful of your dog’s breed.
Brachycephalic breeds (those with a short head and snout) like Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs and Pekingese have a harder time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer nosed dogs. If possible, keep these dogs indoors and turn on the air conditioner.
Do water play.
If you want to cool off your pooch, try filling a child sized wading pool or a pool designed for pets with fresh water. Just keep in mind that not all dogs are good swimmers, so it’s best to monitor their activity, watching out for signs of exhaustion or heat stroke. If you see any of the following symptoms, rehydrate your dog and replace electrolytes immediately:
- Panting
- Dry gums and nose
- Thick saliva
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of elasticity in the skin
Early signs of heat stroke include:
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Heavy panting
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Rapid breathing
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Excessive drooling
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Bright red gums and tongue
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Difficulty maintaining balance
When this happens, cool them down right away by getting them into the shade, spraying them with cool or tepid water and fanning them. If they exhibit signs of severe heat stroke like white or blue gums, lethargy or unwillingness to move, uncontrollable urination or defecation, laboured and noisy breathing or shock, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Severely affected pets may require fluids, medication, support and oxygen.
Provide protection against sunburn.
Dogs, especially short haired ones, and those with white fur and pink skin, can get sunburned. Limit their sun exposure and apply sunscreen to their ears, nose and coat before going outside and make sure to reapply every few hours when you’re outdoors, like at the beach. Remember to provide a shady spot where they can rest – you can bring your own beach tent or outdoor beach pen!
Indoor dog care in the summer
Just because your dog is inside the home doesn’t mean they won’t need extra help keeping cool. Here are some tips to keep them happy indoors:
Keep cool spots free of furniture.
Most dogs will seek out cool spots in corners, under the table or on your bare tiled floor. Let them have easy access to these spots by keeping them free of furniture and placing their dog beds, water and feeding bowls there.
Cover your windows.
If you have a lot of large windows at home, use blinds, curtains or sun shades to diffuse sunlight and heat. This way, your pooch can still enjoy the breeze while avoiding fierce temperatures.
Provide air conditioning.
Air conditioning is a great way to prevent dogs from overheating, especially breeds like Huskies and Saint Bernards. If you have long haired dogs like Golden Retrievers, Shepherds and Silky Terriers, keep them cool by trimming their fur, but avoid shaving a double coat as it can cause long term damage.
Provide a comfortable potty indoors.
If it’s too hot to take your dog outside for a potty break, having a litter box with a patch of real grass like Nature’s Loo Real Grass Dog Toilets inside the home or on your patio is more convenient. Not only will your pooch feel like he’s going outdoors to do his business, but it will also help the two of you avoid incidents like burned paws or heat exhaustion. Clean up and maintenance of this type of pet pad is also easy — just remove any solid waste immediately and lightly spray it with a fine mist 2 to 3 times a week. Expose the grass to sunlight 1 to 2 hours daily, and you’ll be able to use it for up to 3 weeks depending on the size of your dog!
Summer is a great time to bond with your furry friends, but it’s also important to prioritise their health and wellbeing. By following these tips and taking precautions, you can ensure a fun and enjoyable season for you and your pup!
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