Dog care in summers

Have you waited all winter to go outside with your dog for fun activities? After a long winter, the outdoors is finally calling to enjoy longer park walks, beach days or challenging treks. But as we know, we have to be extra cautious when it comes to scorching heat that is uncomfortable for humans as well as for dogs. Summer-time means your furry friend will have exposure to ticks, insects, sunburn or insect bites. 

How do dogs naturally cool down?

Dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans, using a combination of conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation to cool down. While dogs do sweat through their paw pads, they lose minimal heat this way. Instead, dogs rely primarily on panting to circulate air through their bodies and cool down. Dogs seek out cooler places when they overheat, but it's important to avoid leaving them in stationary cars in hot weather, as this can trap heat and lead to dangerous conditions. In hot weather, it's best to let dogs stand in a cool pool or spray their chest with cold water to help them cool down. 

What to feed dogs in hot weather?

There are several foods that can help dogs cool down in hot weather. Watermelon, cucumbers, bananas, beans, oranges, spinach, mangoes, potatoes, pineapple, and pumpkin are some of the summer fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat. Cooling proteins like cod, rabbit, and yogurt, and carbohydrates like barley and millet can also help regulate their body temperature. 

However, it is important to avoid feeding dogs too much as fruits can be high in sugar and eating too many fruits and vegetables can lead to gastrointestinal distress. It is recommended to speak to a vet before altering a pet's diet, especially if they have suffered from food allergies in the past.

 

5 Tips to keep a dog cool in summers

It is always fun to play outside, but dogs can overheat in warm temperatures, so make sure to take extra care of your pooch.

· Make sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water.

· Avoid leaving your dog in the parked vehicle.

· Skip going for a walk on extremely hot days, instead take go out early morning or in the evening.

· Breeds with short heads and snouts, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, etc., can’t pant as efficiently as longer nose dogs can. It’s advisable to keep them inside with air-conditioning.

· Provide a shady spot to hang out on hot days.

 

Final Words

Taking care of your dog during the summers requires a little extra effort. It's crucial to keep them hydrated Always keep a close eye on your furry friend and look for signs of heatstroke or dehydration. Following these tips ensures that your furry friend stays safe and healthy during the hot summer months. Remember, a happy dog is a healthy dog!

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