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Summer is right around the corner! And to many of us, it means hiking, camping, and all-around fun. However, what about our canine best buddies that have to wear around a fur coat all day? Even worse, TWO fur coats?
Add that to the fact that they can only sweat through their paws and by panting, and you’ve got one hot dog.
As the temperatures climb, dogs can get affected by the extreme heat, especially double-coated dogs that were originally bred in colder climates like Huskies and German Shepherds.
Summer comes with its own share of challenges when you want to ensure the well-being of your pooch. Here are some tips to make your dog more comfortable.
Water
Now more important than ever, make sure your dog is properly hydrated, and keep ample amounts of water around all the time. When going for a walk or hike, bring heaps of water for the both of you.
Dehydration
Watch out for dehydration. While being a little dehydrated isn’t dangerous yet, it can quickly escalate into a more serious condition that might need medical help.
Symptoms of dehydration include excessive panting and drooling, lethargy, nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, and loss of elasticity in the skin.
Walk in the mornings and early evenings
Choose your timing for walkies well and try avoiding the hottest times of the day. Always check the pavements to see if it is too hot for your dog to walk on. As a rule of thumb, if you cannot walk on the surface barefoot, it is too hot for your pooch.
In addition, try sticking to grass to trail, as asphalt and concrete can absorb heaps of heat and continue to burn even after it cools off.
Play with water!
Water time is always a fun time, especially in hot weather. Spray your dog down with a hose or install a small kiddie or doggy pool for your pooch to relax in if it gets scorching.
If you feel so inclined, head to the lake or the beach if you’re lucky enough to live near one for some fun in the sun. Being in the water is the absolute BEST thing to do on a hot day!
Don’t leave Fido in the car
Even if you think you are just going to be 5 minutes at the store, you’ve parked in some shade, and the windows are down, don’t leave your pooch in the car!
The car is a heat-absorbing oven that can reach dangerous temperatures in mere minutes.
Don’t shave your dog
There are many well-meaning dog parents that think that shaving their dog is a good way to help their pooch deal with the climbing temperatures. Well, don’t!
Double-coated dogs have an insulating soft, dense undercoat, and a rougher, wiry topcoat. The undercoat keeps your dog warm in cool weather, while the top coat repels dirt, dust, and catches breeze, directing the cool air to your dog’s skin.
Dogs shed their undercoat in warm weather, and their top coat continues to catch the breeze to cool the skin. If you shave the coat, you’ll be depriving your dog of their insulation system, as well as exposing your dog to sunburn, scratches, bug bites, and infections.
Final Thoughts On Dogs In Summer
Summer is a fun time for everyone, and your dog should be no exception. With these tips, you can thoroughly enjoy a summer with your beloved pooch. Have fun!
