Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, more than humans at times. You may not feel the heat but your pooch might be restless, panting after every single run around the backyard, and is recording more than the usual heartbeat.
If you are worried about your dog’s health as the mercury soars, we have 5 tips that can make all the difference:
1. Keep The Dogs Indoor
It is hard to keep the dogs indoors if you have a huge backyard. From chasing the squirrels, splashing the water in the tub, dozing off on the green grass to looking over the fence to catch the glimpse of neighboring dogs and other passers-by, there is plenty they do when left on their own.
But that doesn’t work well for your dog if it is super hot outside and even the owners are not at home. So, what you can do?
Keep the dog in a cool and well-ventilated space with plenty of drinking water in the bowl.
Also, if you have a sunroom the dog simply loves, then installing a table fan and retractable patio enclosure makes all the difference. The dog can peep outside through the glass windows without exposing himself to the direct sunlight.
Schedule the regular walks in the early morning and late afternoon or evenings when the weather is fairly pleasant.
2. The Portable Tub Or Swimming Pool
Bathe your dog more often. Alternatively, you can make him wet using a water hose pipe, putting up a portable tub in the backyard, or wipe him with a wet towel.
But if you have got a swimming pool, then nothing beats having some water fun with your pooch. The little bonding time wouldn’t harm anyone. But if you’re not at home or your dog is surprisingly not a good swimmer, do not forget installing automatic pool covers to prevent unexpected accidents.
Make sure you have a fan in the room the dog dozes off or a battery-operated fan installed near the crate.
3. Do Not Leave Your Dog Inside The Car
A common mistake many pet parents make. Harmful for cats and dogs and may cost them their life too. In fact, 28 states have strict laws protecting the pets from the often-fatalistic results of leaving them unattended in vehicles. Even if the heat is average, the temperature rises inside the car or truck with doors and windows locked.
For people having traveling plans with their pets, keep the air conditioner running and an adult supervising the pet if you have to pull over on the road. Carry a harness or the dog crate if you have to stop by for an hour or so.
4. Breathable Fabric
There is no dearth of products to keep your dogs look and feel cool, in the market. Check with any local pet store or online for cooling vests, t-shirts, and bandana. Alternatively, you can also use any old and loose t-shirt in your wardrobe. Make sure the fabric doesn’t stick to the body fur and hinders the mobility of your pooch.
5. Replenish With Food & Water
It is normal if the furry friend doesn’t eat regular food during summers. No need to lose your sleep over that. It is temporary in most cases. Consider feeding them foods that beat the heat like
- Frozen chicken soup cubes
- Buttermilk
- Yogurt mix
- Cheeps pops
- Fruits like watermelon, apples, oranges, banana, etc.
Do you have more tips that may help other pet parents? Drop-in your comments in the section below:
