How can you cool your dog down in summer?
It can be surprisingly if your pet to get overheated in the hot months so it is important to cool your dog down in proper way and realize the symptoms if your dog is suffering from the heat.
The summer is coming, and the sun is shining all day without any clouds. It sounds great, but your dog can’t protect himself everytime, so you should know some useful tips to prevent him from the heat stroke.
If your dog is suffering from the heat, you can water his limbs and head, but never splash him with a bucket of water, because the blood vessels are contstricting quickly that cause cardiac arrest.
Use wet towels, blankets or a piece of clothes between his limbs, or on his belly, armpit and flank because the skin is thin on these areas and it can cool quickly the veins and the whole body. You should change often these materials to keep your dog cool.
You can use sunscreen for a bald or white fur dog, but you should consulting with a vet because those can trigger allergic reactions. You try with a small part of his body and check the reaction.
The long fur protects your dog from the harmful rays of the sun, but it cannot ventilate properly and the skin can be inflamed. Taking him to the dog groomer before summer is a good solution.
Here are some more tips that you should keep during summer time:
- do not give him too cold water, because it can cause sore throat
- if your dog is using a swimming pool, clean him with clear water- the chemicals in the pool can cause dermatitis
- do not let your dog drinking from the chlorinated water
- if you have to use muzzle, use only that your dog can pant in it
- do not force your dog to go into the water
What are the signs of heat stroke?
- your dog is breathing more intensively than usual
- pupils are delating
- tongue is purple and swollen
- your dog is sliming that becomes sticky, his mouth is foaming
- his heartrate is high
- he feels dizzy and throbbing
- weak, and unable to stand
- vomitting, diarrhea
- shock symptoms
- over 40 degrees there is also a risk of organ damages
What can you do?
- You should start your dog’s cooling
- Take him to the shadow or a 18-20 degrees place
- Give your dog fresh and cool, but not too cold water. If he doesn’t want to drink, do not force it, just wet his tongue with a sponge or a towel
- Roll his limbs with a wet towel, and change it often
Here is a chart how does the temperature raise in the car:
