As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to take extra care of your furry friend.
Here are six tips to help you prepare your dog, inspired by dogaspet:
1. Get them used to the heat gradually.
If you’re planning on spending time in hot weather with your dog, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure that they stay safe and comfortable. One of the most important things to do is to get them used to the heat gradually. If your dog isn’t used to hot weather, don’t just take them out into the blazing sun without any preparation.
Instead, gradually introduce them to the heat by taking them out for short periods of time at first, and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside. This will give them a chance to adjust to the new temperature and build up their tolerance for the heat.
2. Keep them hydrated.
Water is essential for all life, and that includes our furry friends. Dogs can get dehydrated quickly in warm weather, so it’s important to offer them water more frequently than usual. If they’re going to be spending time outside in the heat, make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
A good gadget to keep your dog hydrated is the water bottle from asobubottle.com. The bottle has a built-in bowl that let’s your furry friend drink with you.
Dehydration can cause a host of problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and heat stroke, so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog in hot weather and make sure they’re staying hydrated. Offer them small sips of water regularly, and if you’re ever unsure, consult with your veterinarian.
3. Avoid hot pavement.
As any dog owner knows, hot weather can be tough on our furry friends. Dogs pant to cool themselves down, and they can quickly overheat if they are active in the heat for too long. However, one danger that is often overlooked is the risk of burned paws.
Pavement can get incredibly hot during summer months, and if it is too hot to keep your hand on for more than a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. Stick to grassy areas or take them for a swim instead. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable all summer long.
4. Protect their skin.
Dogs rely on their fur to protect them from the sun, but this isn’t always enough. Just like us, dogs can get sunburned, especially on their nose and any other exposed areas. To protect their skin, apply pet-safe sunscreen before taking them out for a walk or to the park.
Make sure the sunscreen you use is pet-safe, as some contain ingredients that can be harmful to animals.
5. Know the signs of heatstroke.
Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke when they are overexposed to heat. This can happen if they are left in a hot car, or if they are outside during a heatwave without access to shade or water. Some signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.
If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area immediately and contact your veterinarian. Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be fatal, so it is important to act quickly if you think your dog may be affected. With prompt treatment, many dogs make a full recovery.
6. Never leave them in the car.
On hot days, it’s important to never leave your dog in the car. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, and dogs can suffer from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes. If you’re running errands or going somewhere that your dog can’t come with you, make arrangements for someone to watch them instead.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to heatstroke because they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws. So, when the temperature rises, their ability to regulate their body temperature decreases.
Conclusion
Dogs are susceptible to heat-related health problems, so it’s important to take precautions when the temperature rises. By following these tips, you can help keep your furry friend safe and comfortable all summer long.
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