Our surroundings play a major role in how we get by on a daily basis. Dogs in hot weather, for example, create an atmosphere that is extremely active, which can often be too hectic for some people. Also, hot conditions drive us to keep ourselves cool, such as staying away from the sun, turning air conditioners way up, as well consuming cool and chilled food and beverages.
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Unlike how we are affected by the weather, dogs also react differently to heat. As such, we need to look after them with additional care to make sure that they are kept away from illnesses and diseases.
In this article, we will discuss some key points for taking care of your dogs in hot weather, such as how to deal with fleas and ticks, how to keep your dogs cool in summer, and the proper handling strategy.
Here Are The Tips For Take Care of Dogs In Hot Weather
Fleas and Ticks
These parasites are typically the most common perpetrators of diseases on canines. Fleas and ticks are most active during the summer period when the relatively hot climate is conducive for flea and tick breeding. Most infestation cases occur during the summer or during periods of excessive heat.
If you are experiencing a period of excessive heat or if you are living in areas that are usually hot, be extra careful and cautious of your dogs. Clean your surroundings often, keep an eye on where you walk your dogs, and use tick and flea prevention shampoo when bathing. These strategies prevent the infestation of fleas and ticks in the first place which could help you save costs on treatment.
Keeping Pets Cool
Extremely hot weather could also cause plenty of health problems for dogs. In hot conditions, dogs are constantly prone to heat stroke, dehydration, restricted breathing, and even sudden heart failure. This is all the more problematic for dogs with thick coats and fur as well as for brachycephalic breeds (those with short and flat snouts resulting in narrow nostrils and smaller airways). With this in mind, always be wary of temperature conditions and check on your dogs at regular intervals.
If you find that the weather may be too much to handle, turn on air conditioners and do not rely solely on fans. It may also benefit your dogs to give them an ice bath every now and then. Finally, do not forget the importance of the proper hydration strategy. Always keep your dog’s water bowl full of clean and potable water. If necessary, use cold water instead to help cool your dogs faster.
Handle Dogs Properly
Hot weather conditions also require you to be more mindful of how you handle your dogs. For one, try to avoid high-intensity activities whenever possible. Things like running and playing fetch may need to be toned down or completely avoided in the meantime.
This is precise because a dog’s heart ramps up way more than humans, which means they need more time to catch breaths and recover. This can be quite difficult especially if the air is dry or if heat is resonating around the area.
If you absolutely have to take your dog on a walk, try to do it when the temperatures are lower or if the pavements and pathways have already cooled down. Whenever it is possible, avoid direct contact with sunlight and avoid prolonged walks which may result in heat build-up.
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Dogs naturally sweat through their paws, so walking them over hot surfaces, such as on sun-baked roads, will be extremely dangerous for them. As a general rule, if you find certain activities to be uncomfortable and exhausting for you, then do not take your dog with you on these activities.
