Heatstroke is one of the most common problems in the summertime. It causes the dog’s body temperature to rise dangerously, leading to organ failure and eventually death.
There are many ways to protect your dog from this unwanted condition.
1. Avoid High Temperatures
Never leave your dog in plain sun, closed vehicles, or any small enclosed space on a warm day, not even for a short while.
If the outside temperature is 78°F, the inside temperature can very quickly climb towards 140°F. This is fatal for your dog. If you can’t avoid leaving your friend pup inside the car, park it in a shaded spot and open all the windows.
Your dog will be safe inside for up to 20 minutes. You can use a cooling mattress or a cooling bandana or collar to keep him comfy all this time.
2. Pick the Right Timing for Walks
Walks and exercise should be done in the coolest part of the day, like mornings and evenings.
Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature by sweating, as humans do. They drop their body temp only by panting. Beware of hot asphalt, that can burn your dog’s footpads.
So, take your dog outside only when necessary, and use protective boots if possible. These may come in handy in the fall when it’s rainy outside, and in winter, as well. If you’re into doggy fashion, you may add a cap and some doggy sunglasses.
3. Prepare for Beach Time
Heading for the beach? Then bring an umbrella or a special dog tent for your pooch, to avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Keep your dog in the shade as much as possible on extremely hot days. A dog cooling vest will keep your furry friend safe. Don’t forget to bring plenty of fresh drinking water and a portable water bowl.
Light-colored dogs and dogs with short hair and high ears are more predisposed to sunburn. You can apply special doggy sunscreen onto the nose and ears.
4. Outdoors Must Do’s
Provide shade and plenty of fresh drinking water for your dog if it spends most of its time outdoors.
Consider a dog pool or a cooling vest. These come in all sizes and colors to fit any dog and preferences.
They’re easy to use: the product needs to be immersed in water, placed inside the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, and soaked, to be placed on the dog’s back.
5. Keep Cool at Home
If your apartment faces the sun, the temperature inside will be higher in the summertime, making it uncomfortable for your beloved friend. Leave all the windows open when possible, for proper ventilation.
You can use a floor fan and you can help your dog overcome the heat with the help of an elevated bed. This comes in handy when traveling, as well.
Other “Hot” Health Conditions
Summer equals heat, which equals a lot of unwanted insects and parasites like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies but also dirt, debris, and dust.
Your dog gets dirty more easily, and heat alone can make its skin more sensitive and prone to dermatitis. Make sure to brush it at least every other day, to remove these and inspect the dog’s body for any lesions, scars, or parasites.
Don’t forget to apply monthly antiparasitic drugs to prevent tickborne diseases, flea infestation, and mosquito-related diseases.
Bathe your dog at least monthly, using a specially formulated dog shampoo. After every walk, check its footpads, interdigital spaces and ears for injuries, grass thorns, and external parasites.
Check your dog daily for flystrike. Backyard dogs are more predisposed to this because dirt can add up and skin injuries can go unnoticed, especially if the canine has a longer coat. Flies lay eggs in open wounds and maggots emerge in a few hours.
This condition can lead to toxic shock and death. In rare cases, apartment dogs can develop ear flystrike, because of untreated external otitis.
