Essential Guidelines to Protect your Pet from the Summer Heat
Summer is always a good time for the dog to run around, exercise and stroll. However, the summer heat can become uncomfortable to pets. For the pet sitters, here are simple procedures to follow in case of heat strokes
Hydration
Hydration is an essential practice, especially during the summer months. With the high temperature, any pet would need to drink plenty of water to drink and maintain cool body temperature. It is imperative to regularly fill bowls with fresh cold water as a constant hydration strategy.
Cooling Mats and Vests
A cooling mat acts as a great alternative especially when you don’t have stone floors where the pet can cool down. Dog cooling vests are also a new effective tactic to help bring cooling through evaporation. If there is plenty of sweating, the cooling vests work by allowing one to dunk the garment in water, dry it a bit and put it on the pet. The wet jackets help cool the dog throughout the day.
Damp Towels
At times the dog might show overheating signs, and it is recommended to always have a wet cloth just in case. In such a situation, it is advisable to put the damp towel over the dog to bring down its temperature. However, the procedure for using the wet towel varies, and the local veterinarian best explains it.
Fans and AC units
The increase in summer heat often ends up making the indoors uncomfortable, and it is essential to ensure there is plenty of flowing air to provide active cooling. Most houses do bear insulation measures, but not all can accommodate the varying temperatures during summer. That is probably where ceiling fans and air condition units come in as alternatives measures to present a cooling effect.
Travel Safety
Traveling during summer with your animal friend may need extra protection when it comes to keeping the pet secure. An ideal situation will require a pet crate to accommodate the animal during the drive. Additionally, the best interest necessary is not to leave the pet unattended for a length of time.
Watch out for apparent signs
Excessive panting, excessive drooling, red gums, weakness, dizziness, and vomiting are immediate signs of dehydration. If the dog indicates any of the symptoms, then it is best to seek immediate action to relieve the pet. Most importantly, the health and safety of the pet is the primary concern.
Sources: DCAER, NIH, Rover, Paw Gear Lab, AKCCHF
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