What does summer mean for you? For most, it means beaches, sun, and outdoor fun activities with family members and pets. Summer is the right time to bond with the new members of the family and your furry friends. But high temperature also means increased risk for the furry companions.
It might result in more ear and skin infections, injuries, and even the possibility of heat stroke. Do you want to expose your pet to these dangers? If not, keep reading the article to learn how to protect them. Experts are here to assist you in creating a supportive environment for your furry companions.
In the last couple of years, experts have hosted webinars to put across vital tips and tricks that will help pet owners in multiple ways when the temperature goes up. They have mainly focused on topics to protect the pet in the summer season. They have even discussed various aspects related to the pet’s health and overall well-being.
These include knowing how to prevent the pet from typical summer health risks, not delaying decisions related to the pup’s health, and staying calm in times of emergency. As per expert veterinarians, the most typical summer risk for the pet includes the following:
● Sunburn
● Stroke
● Dehydration
● Overheating
Always remember that pets rely upon you for their safety. As pet parents, you are responsible for protecting them from every odd. To avoid health issues and enjoy outdoor activity in the summer, here are a few tips and tricks you need to remember.
Keep them hydrated
This point applies not only to human beings but to animals as well. Keep the pet hydrated and encourage them to stay in the shelter. Dehydration is a common problem in cats and dogs; it also has various risks. The dogs must get enough water so they do not feel thirsty and keep indulging in the activity they enjoy.
While cats and dogs like to bathe in the sun, direct exposure to the sun for an extended period may result in heat stroke. There are multiple signs of dehydration, which include excessive drooling and dry gums. Ensure that the pet has access to clean and fresh water inside your house, and you may also get a bottle of cold water for the furry companion when getting them outside.
Understand the symptoms
As a pet parent, you have multiple responsibilities. First and foremost, you need to ask yourself how to understand that your pet is in the problem. How much heat is appropriate for the dog? What temperature can they tolerate? The standard temperature that the dog might take will be between 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, the typical temperature for the cat will range from 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher than this will mean that the pet is at risk.
No, cats and dogs will not sweat like humans; they drink enough water and pant to get their body temperature down. Watch for several possible symptoms in your dogs, which includes the following:
● Heavy panting
● Thick drool
● Dry gums
● Red gums
● Vomiting
● Wobbly legs
● Diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs of overheating in your dog, it is time to get them to a cold place. Give them enough water and use a damp towel to wipe the sweat. Never make the mistake of placing them in cold water; it may increase the risk of shock. You must keep pet healthy by following the recommendations of the vet.
Never leave them in your vehicle
Dogs love to ride in the car. However, they will not enjoy it if stuck in the car. If you put them in the car and park in the parking lot, the pet will feel uncomfortable. The temperature can quickly go up during the day. Leaving the pet inside the car for a few minutes is not a big deal. However, it may take very little time to develop heat stroke. If you do not want to expose your dog or cat to such a problem, get them out of the car when you get down.
Apply sunscreen
Sunscreen is a great summer tool. Whether you believe it or not, your pet can get sunburned. Light and short dogs have a higher risk of this problem. And just like in human beings, it may result in skin cancer. Yes, you heard that right. As a responsible pet owner who plans to spend your day in the sun, it is vital to apply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours to help your dog stay calm and composed in the sun.
Try to use sunscreens that are made specifically for animals, as pets may lick them, and sunscreen, which is made for human beings, might include toxic ingredients. If you do not want to bring an emergency, always go by the suggestion of veterinarians who may advise you on the products which will be suitable for your pet.
Do not shave the pet
Shaving your cat or dog for the hot season may be a viable solution to reduce overheating. However, the furry coat on the body is natural armor to keep the pet calm. It is a natural way of protecting them. You might trim the fur depending on your requirement but do not go for shaving. Ensure you leave at least a few inches of hair on their bodies to protect them from sunburn. Remember their regular grooming, irrespective of the season.
Be mindful of walking hours
When taking your dog for a walk, it is essential to mind the walking hours. Whether going in the late evening or early morning, you must consider the timing. It is always good to only take them inside when it is too cold or hot. Do not even go in the middle of the day too.
You must keep the dog’s paws cool to keep the parasites away. Consider the suggestions of veterinarians because these are specialists in their job. They understand the different requirements of the animals and are the best individuals who can recommend the best solution for their problems. When sailing with your dog in the summer, keeping them well protected is advised. Keep the pet away from the fireworks and get emergency help whenever required.
Prepare your furry friend to beat the heat!