For many of us, summer is just around the corner!
It’s the perfect time of year for you and your dog to go hiking, camping, swimming and everything in between.
But with summer comes the heat. In this week’s blog, we give you some simple tips to help you and your dog keep cool this summer.
Keep your dog hydrated
Even though this is a no-brainer, don’t take it lightly! Early warning signs that your dog is dehydrated include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Bloodshot eyes
- Pale appearance
As a rule of thumb (or paw), dogs should drink half a liter of water per pound of body weight per day. If you’re planning a trip outside in the sun, make sure you pack enough water for both of you to last all day.
If you find that your dog is dehydrated, you can help by making your own electrolyte water. All you need to do is mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into 1 liter of fresh, clean water. Give this to your dog to replace cell salts and minerals that are important for hydration, blood pH and nerve conduction.
Prevent sunburns
As with humans, leaving your dog in the sun for too long can lead to sunburn. Signs that your dog is getting sunburned include:
- Skin or paw pads that are sensitive to the touch
- Dry, cracked skin and puckering at the edges of the ears
- Constant scratching of sensitive areas, accompanied by whimpering and flinching when you try to stroke him
- Mild fever
Avoid the sun when you can by walking earlier in the day, avoiding hot sidewalks or sand and choosing routes that offer plenty of shade when you need a break.
Sunscreens are also available for dogs. It is important that you buy sunscreen that is made specifically for dogs and not for humans. It should not contain zinc oxide as this is toxic to dogs if swallowed, and dogs often lick their skin and accidentally swallow the sunscreen. Most vets recommend waterproof sunscreens with an SPF of 30.
Apply the sunscreen to the nose, ears and other parts of the body that may be exposed to the sun. Reapply the cream every 4-6 hours, depending on how long your dog spends in the sun.
If your dog suffers burns, typical ointments and lotions, including aloe, can be very helpful. Consult your veterinarian for more severe burns.
Stay in the shade
Sometimes finding a shady spot is easier said than done. Maybe you’re at the beach and don’t have a big enough parasol or the campsite you’ve just pulled up to doesn’t have many trees in the area.
A dog tent is just what you need. It’s lightweight, compact and perfect for any outdoor adventure with your dog. You can set it up practically anywhere and it provides the shade your dog needs.
Another great option for staying cool is a portable kiddie pool that you can fill up quickly and your dog can splash around in for a while.
It is also important to know that the ground gets much hotter in summer than it is outside. You can understand the temperature difference through this comparison below:
- Air temperature Asphalt temperature: 25° – 52°
- Air-Temp Asphalt-Temp: 30° – 57°
- Air-Temp Asphalt-Temp: 31° – 62°
To get an idea of whether it is too hot for your dog’s paws, press your own hands on the asphalt for 10 seconds. If it is too hot for your hands, it will also be too hot for your dog’s paws. Also pay attention to the time of day, as the pavement can get hotter as the day goes on.
