Introduction
Summer is here and as the temperature rises, it's important to remember that your pets are at risk for heat injury. Dogs can't sweat and must rely on panting to cool themselves off. This can make dogs especially susceptible to dehydration and heat stroke if they are exposed to the sun or left in hot cars. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe this summer:
Cool dog houses
Remember, your dog's house should be well ventilated. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, cold drafts, rain and snow, and puddles.
Collapsible dog bowl
An easy-to-carry collapsible dog bowl is a must-have for any dog owner. Whether you are traveling, doing outdoor activities with your pup or just hanging out inside, this bowl can be used to feed and water your pet. It's small enough that it's easy to carry in the car or backpack, yet it holds enough water for long walks on the beach. Plus, if there's any leftover food in it? Just throw it away!
The best part about this product is that it was designed with all dogs in mind—not just little ones. So whether you have a small Chihuahua or an 80 pound mutt—this dish will work great for your pooch!
Shaded areas
Having shade can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s comfort. Shade can be provided by trees, umbrellas, or even a patio umbrella. If you want to go big and purchase some sort of doghouse with a window on top so that he or she can still enjoy being outside with air circulating through their fur. Another option is getting them their own pool so they can cool off in style! Lastly, you could always invest in a nice bed or blanket for them to sit on while they lounge under the sun (or moon!).
Pre-made frozen treats
If you're in the market for a frozen treat for your dog this summer, but want to keep it healthy, we've got you covered. Check out these seven homemade frozen treats from Real Simple Food.
The base is Greek yogurt or kefir, which is helpful if your pooch has digestive issues. Yogurt also helps boost immunity and is packed with probiotics that can improve digestion in animals and humans alike. Kefir contains active cultures that are similar to those found in yogurt but have higher concentrations of beneficial bacteria.
If he's been eating a lot of wheat lately (which dogs don't need), try 2 tablespoons of oatmeal inside his bowl of yogurt instead—it'll help settle his stomach after an extra-large meal! Pour over more plain yogurt before serving so he doesn't eat too much at once—remember: moderation is key when feeding our pets human food!
Sunscreen for pets
Sunscreen for pets should have an SPF of 30 or higher. A higher number means that it will block out more UV rays, but many sunscreens offer the same protection with different percentages. It doesn't matter what kind of sunscreen you buy, however; all dogs need to be protected against the sun's harmful rays no matter what time of year it is.
Apply sunscreen on your dog’s nose, ears and snout. You may also want to apply some lotion on his nipples if he has hairless ones exposed during playtime outside or when bathing him in the summer heat (though this isn't necessary).
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside so that it can absorb into your pet's skin properly before exposing him to direct sunlight for long periods of time. If possible, choose a product that offers UVA/UVB protection because this will not only prevent sunburns but also help maintain healthy skin tissue over time by blocking damaging blue light rays from entering through the epidermis layer where melanocytes are located (which produce pigment).
Avoid hot pavement and sidewalks, it can burn their paws
If you have a dog, it is important to keep them safe from the summer heat. There are many ways to help your pup stay cool this summer including avoiding hot pavements and sidewalks, using booties and cooling pads, providing water at all times and making sure they have access to shade.
You should also consider adding some of the following items to your dog's summer care kit:
Dog boots- Dog boots are great for helping protect dogs' paws from hot surfaces like pavement or burning tar roofing materials during walks.
Cooling pad- A cooling pad helps keep pets cool while traveling in vehicles or on hot surfaces by circulating cold air through channels in the mat
Dog bowl- A heavy ceramic bowl will not just protect against rust but it can also help keep water cool longer than an aluminum or plastic dish would do during warm temperatures. You can also freeze some water beforehand for added protection!
Keep your pet hydrated at all times
The best way to keep your pet hydrated is by making sure that they have plenty of water. This can be done in a number of ways, including:
Using a water bowl
Giving them their own personal pool.
Putting them in the shower with you (if they're not scared of water).
If you would like your beloved animal friend to be happy and healthy in this summer heat, please remember these few tips:
Use a kiddie pool as a safe place to cool off if your dog injures its feet walking on hot ground or gets heat exhaustion from playing in the heat too long.
The best way to keep your dog cool is by keeping it out of the sun and making sure they have plenty of water so they stay hydrated. Be careful of hot pavement and sidewalks, which can cause burns on their paws if they step down too hard with their pads hitting at an angle. Also make sure:
You use sunscreen on them! It's important that you protect your pup's skin from harmful UV rays just like you do yours!
Remember that dogs with white or light fur are more susceptible to skin cancer and sunburns than dark-haired dogs.
Use sunscreen designed for dogs on the muzzle, ears, snout and nipples of dogs with light hair and those who spend a lot of time outside. In addition to the improved health of you pet, sunscreen can also prevent their hair color from fading.
Sunscreen can be used on any exposed part of your dog's body (including their feet) to prevent sunburn and skin cancer just as it does for humans.
When taking your pet outside during the summer, pay close attention to how they are reacting to the environment. If they appear to be panting heavily, look lethargic, or are experiencing other signs of heatstroke or dehydration, immediately move them into a cooler area. Use cool water to lower their body temperature. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary care right away. The quicker you get help for your dog, the better the change that it will not suffer permanent injury or death from heatstroke.
If your pet is suffering from heatstroke, they may display signs of lethargy, excessive panting and rapid breathing. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, immediately move them to a cooler area and use cool water on their paws and belly to lower their body temperature. Also consider placing a wet towel or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on their head for up to ten minutes to help cool them down.
If you’re unable to find relief for your dog via these methods and he or she continues displaying symptoms of heatstroke, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to keep your pet safe during the summer. Remember that if your dog experiences heatstroke or other symptoms of dehydration, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The longer you wait, the more likely your dog will suffer permanent injury or death from heatstroke.
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