Summer has officially started and the temperature heats up everyday. While every one of us, including our pets love the summer heat and all the fun it brings, it is very important to keep our pets from being dehydrated and overheated. Overheated pets can suffer life-threatening conditions like heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat arrhythmias.
Because none of us would want our pets to be harmed, we have list down some of the best ways to prevent heat exhaustion. Here are some of the things you can do to help your pet have a fun, safe and cool summer:
Make sure your pet is always hydrated
Plainly, the best way to fight dehydration is to stay hydrated. While every pet have different ways of battling dehydration, all of them can benefit from taking enough fluids. Always have a bottle or bowl of water ready for your pet at home. Also, always bring a bottle of water when you go out so you can have it readily available in case your pet needs to rehydrate.
Exercise or walk your pet during early morning or late night
While daily walks and exercise are extremely important for every pet, it can be very tiring and uncomfortable during summer days. However, you can still walk your pet regarded that the temperature outside is cool enough for you and for your pet to walk comfortably. Temperature during these times is obviously much lower, making it ideal for strolls.
Give them cold treats
Whatever the season is, treats can make your pets instantly happy. Get some doggie ice cream or frozen yogurt next time you go to the grocery store. Or better yet, make your own cold treats. You can try freezing broth, chill some cucumber or even frozen baby food (but no onions, please!)
Keep your pet properly groomed
More than making your pet stylish and dolled-up, grooming is the best way to maintain their skin and hair (fur). For dogs, it depends on their breed whether they need shaving or not. Experts say that no matter how long or thick a dog’s fur is it is the dog’s coat that “provides built-in climate control as well as the first line of defense against sunburn.” However, everyday brushing can be very beneficial to any kind of dog. Brushing helps strip off loose hair, thereby allowing air to effectively circulate against your pet’s skin.
Never, ever leave your pet inside a parked vehicle
Let’s be clear about this, regardless of the season, leaving you pet inside a parked car is very, very wrong. Even on cooler days, the sun can heat any vehicle to over 43°C. It may be very convenient for you to leave your pet for a while, but it is never worth his or her life.
Get creative and innovative
If you have a temperature-controlled room in your house, it would be much easier for you pet to stay cool and comfortable. But what if you don’t have? You can set up a kiddie pool under a shaded area in your garden, and let you pet play there. Or maybe prepare a cold towel and let your pet lie down there. You could also let your pet play in water sprinklers. Maybe place a bucket of ice in front of an electric fan and have your pet enjoy the cool breeze.
Let them join pet day camps
Because pets need extra care and attention during summer, leaving your dog home alone during summer can be dangerous. If you and your family are going out of town for summer and you can’t bring your pet with you, it would be better if you leave your pet in boarding camps like Camp Run A Mutt. Places like this feature climate-controlled facilities where your pet can enjoy playing with other pets. It is also a great opportunity for your pet to learn and be more sociable with other animals. After all, if you can have a vacation, why can’t your fur baby have his too, right?
Watch out for signs of overheating and dehydration
Most pets don’t sweat. For dogs, panting is their way to cool their body, so if you observe your dog drooling excessively, it can be a sign of overheating. Dehydrated cats on the other hand have sunken eyes and elevated heart rate. Whenever you notice symptoms like these, give them something to drink immediately and follow some of the suggestions provided above. If they won’t respond to these, it is best to call your vet so he can give you instructions on how you should proceed.
