Article: How to help your dog beat the heat! Useful tips to keep your dog cool.
How to help your dog beat the heat! Useful tips to keep your dog cool.
Sun's out. Heat is on and has no intention of abating.
Sharing some simple tips, to protect your dogs from the heat, keep them happy and occupied! Remember there are only a few ways your dog can dispense heat, through a) panting, b) sweat glands on their paw pads and noses and, through c) conduction / convection on their body.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO STAY HOME
1) Cool treats
Make an ice-chilled treats for your pet! Freeze juice or broth. Add small treats like meat bits or fruits into the juice/broth . The result - your pet spending extended time licking the ice treat, in search of the special treat inside!
Cooling and keeps your pet engaged at the same time!
FREEZE TREAT AND POPSICLE MOULD
2) Rest on cooling gear
Many dogs like to lie on the hard tiled floors because it is cooling. A more comfortable alternative? Have your dog get used to sleeping on an elevated bed which allows airflow below the bed.
K9 COT ELEVATED DOG BED, allows airflow below the bed to keep the dog cool.
3) Different ways to dispense energy
Being outdoors and running about dispense your dog's physical energy. When you have to stay indoors, find another way to use dispense your dog's energy. Playing mind-stimulating games, such as sniff-and-search games for 10 minutes tire dogs out more than 30 minutes of physical exercise. Choose games to stimulate your dog's the mind and keep them engaged. Hide and have your dog find their favourite toys or treats at home. Engage your pet in enrichment, puzzle toys.
TOPPL TOY, freeze broth, juice with treats, to make a cooling fun enrichment treat/toy
KNAUDER'S BEST SNIFFING LAWN, hide-and-seek treats enrichment game
IF YOU HAVE TO BE OUT AND ABOUT
1) Stay hydrated!
Always remember to bring a bottle of water and travel bowl on the go. Offer water more often to your pet.
2) Plan your walks or outings during cooler times of the day.
Dogs are not able to cope with heat as well as humans do. Even a mildly warm day can predispose your dog to overheating, especially if they are exercising. Consider walking early part of the morning or later in the evening, and take shorter walks. Take more frequent breaks during walks or outing, and stay under the shade whenever possible.
3) Put on protective apparel
The natural law of evaporation takes excess heat away from your pet and keeps him/her cool. When out and about, put on cooling apparel. Wet the apparel and put it on your pet. Even a simple tee can act as a cooling apparel, just wet it! Bring a spray bottle along and re-wet the apparel as and when it dries!
SWAMP COOLER ZIP, wetted to keep dogs cool.
4) Have a splash!
No better workout on a hot day than a swim at the beach or pool. Remember to swim in calm waters and choose safety wear like a life jacket, even if your dog is a frequent swimmer. Ensure you have a bowl of clean water, so your dog does not develop the habit of taking water from the pool or beach.
PROTECTOR LIFE JACKET, for any swim outings
5) Protect your dog's paws from hot surfaces.
Hot pavement that heats up under the sun, can be painful for your dog's paws. If it feels hot to your touch, chances are it will be the same on your dog. Consider walking on grass or shady areas.
OTHER TIPS
1) Never leave your dog along in the hot car. Even under the shade, the car can heat up fast and your dog can very quickly become distressed and uncomfortable.
2) Regular grooming, such as fur trimming and removing knots and mattes will keep your dog comfortable during hot weather.
3) Look out for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal. If you think your dog has heat stroke, act fast and reach out to your vet immediately. Here are some signs of heat stroke.
* Heavy panting
* Lethargy
* Confusion or loss of coordination
* Drooling or foaming at the mouth
* Vomiting or diarrhoea
* Shaking or weakness
* Seizures
Stay cool and Keep those happy tails wagging!
Reference:
How to keep dogs cool in the summer
