Summer Heat and Your Pet

How summer heat can be bad for your dog

Summer may be a good season for your dog to be running around, exercising, and going to parks for strolls. But don't forget that summer can also be bad for your dog if you don't keep your pet protected from disasters that can be caused by the summer heat. These disasters include overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Animals are also very vulnerable to sunburns or heat stress. The summer heat can also be especially difficult for animals who suffer from certain respiratory diseases. The summer heat does not choose its victims. And if we humans can do things to cool us down, dogs just can't. The responsibility to cool dogs down falls upon their dog owners. Aside from that, the summer season, in general, can be bad for your dog because of the activities during summer. A lot of people become quite busy during the summer, when there is no rain to keep them from their usual activities outdoors. Summer is a time for sports, gardening, and exercise. However, even though exercise is good, and so are sports, for your dog, the level of heat that you and your dog absorbs is different. Also, you have shoes, and your dogs don't. Not because the summer heat feels mild enough for you also means that your dog is in no danger. The safety of dogs during the summer season lies entirely on their owners.

The other dangers of summer

Summer still poses other dangers to your dog aside from the grueling summer heat. Summer is the time for gardening, and of insects out and about. The summer season can also somewhat be regarded to as the fleas and ticks season in the doggie world. That's yet another thing to worry about. In addition to that, you may be expecting many different events during the summer, but try to avoid bringing your dog to crowded places. This can cause a huge amount of heat exhaustion and heat stress in your dog. You might also think that bringing the dog to pools can do the trick. However, without the proper care and attention, dogs in crowded pool areas spell trouble. Be on the lookout for signs of stress in your dog, and breathing difficulties. These are usually the first signs of heat exhaustion and heat stress.

How to protect your pet from the dangers of summer

Don't leave your pet outside for too long without a shade. The summer heat can affect dogs faster than it can affect humans. Dogs have thicker skin and hair, and thus can absorb more heat. Also, since they have less sweat glands than humans, they also don't easily release the heat through sweat. It is advisable to bring a water spray with you if you take your dog outdoors during the summer. Giving your dog water to drink is not enough. Spraying water on your dog's body can help cool your dog down immensely. Another important advice is not to leave your dog inside a parked car without a shade. Cars cannot keep the heat out, and even if you leave the windows open a bit, your dog can still absorb the nasty heat. When you take your dog out to exercise, make sure to set a limit. It might also be a good idea to get your dogs some booties to protect their paws from the heat-soaked ground. Try to avoid the hottest hours as well. You can try exercising with your dog early in the morning or after the sun has set. Finally, get your fleas and ticks treatments ready, and groom your dog regularly. More frequent bathing and a good grooming habit can help cool your dog down.