To keep your dogs safe this summer, here are 8 things you should do:
Refill their water bowl frequently:
During summer, your dog needs constant access to fresh, clean water. Check that they do not knock it over accidentally so they can drink whenever thirsty to avoid dehydration. You can even add a few ice cubes to their water bowl.
Do not leave your dog unattended on an open terrace for too long:
If a dog is tied up outside the house or left on the terrace, they can get severely dehydrated. Breed dogs with thick coats, like Huskies, should not be left outside in the heat.
Do not leave your dog in a hot car:
Leaving a dog in a hot car is unadvisable even on warm days - it should definitely not be done in summer. Your dog could develop heatstroke from being left alone in a hot car for as little as 10 minutes.
Do not take them out for walks during the peak summer hours:
During summer, walk your pets early in the morning or after sunset. This is to prevent their paws from burning on the hot ground. You can place your palm on the ground to check if it’s too hot for your pet to walk - if you cannot keep your palm on the ground for more than a few seconds, your dog should definitely not be walking on the ground.
Give them dog-safe icecream, not regular icecream:
Some dogs may have a hard time digesting dairy. Apart from this, regular or human-grade ice cream is high in sugar and fats, which can cause a variety of health issues in dogs.
This does not mean your dog cannot have ice cream. Simply pick one that has dog-safe ingredients, or make it at home instead!
Get them groomed:
A dog’s coat acts as an insulator. Many dogs have a thick undercoat that helps them stay cool. So, don’t trim their fur completely as this makes them feel hotter instead of helping them stay cool.
Do not bathe them too frequently:
While bathing dogs can seem like an easy way to help them cool down, it can actually be counterproductive. Bathing can strip their skin of natural oils, leading to increased skin irritation and itching. You should ideally bathe them once every 10 days.
Watch out for heatstroke:
Dogs can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather, especially if they are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods without access to shade or water. This can result in excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, hot skin and increased heart rate. The condition can be fatal unless prompt treatment is provided.
For more on health and wellness, visit www.happiesthealth.com
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