7 Easy Tips To Keep Your Pet Cool In Summer

Summers can be a great time to spend outdoors with your pet in South Africa. You and your pet no more need to be curled up at home all day. It’s an ideal time for exercise, beach visits and lots of fun with your furry pal. As every season has its pros and cons, pet parents require being very meticulous about the impact of heat on their pets. Your pup’s fur works as a protective shield in winter but during summers it becomes difficult to manage the heat. We, humans, are covered in sweat glands but dogs only have sweat glands on the pads of their feet and their nose. 

Therefore, here’s what pet parents can do to keep their dog cool in order to cope up with the summers in South Africa.

Let Water Be the Life Saver

The scorching heat can dehydrate your pet. Your pet won’t tell you that he needs water but he will start panting which can create discomfort in him. So, make sure that you have plenty of cool water available for your pet. Ensure that the water bowls are clean and do not force your pet to drink water. Instead, provide him with water in the interval of every 15-20 minutes. Moreover, you can also plan outdoor activities with your pup that involves water games and fun in order to keep him cool. 

Use Cool Towels

Direct heat can be dangerous for your pooch. Therefore, you need to cool him down which indeed is an easy process. You can soak a towel in cool water and drape over your dog’s body which helps to cool them. You can place the cool towel under your dog’s forelimbs, between his legs and over his neck. Most of the dog’s sweat glands are in his paws hence, cooling them down can help lower his temperature. 

Step Out During the Coolest Parts of the Day 

Summer is an ideal weather to keep your pet fit. However, consider not to over-exercise your pet as it can lead to dehydration. Avoid taking your dog on a long walk or a run on hot days. Dogs at times don’t know their limits and they may push themselves. Therefore, it is you who have to watch him for the signs of overheating. In order to provide a comfortable atmosphere to your pet, ensure to take him out before or after the sun goes down.

Trim Your Dog, Do Not Shave Him

Many pet parents may think that shaving their pet in the heat will keep them cool. Though it may sound contrary; giving your dog an intense haircut for the summer increases their body temperature. This happens when you completely shave your dog’s fur because they require at least a couple of inches of hairs to protect themselves from sunburn. Therefore, trimming your pet’s long hair is perfectly fine instead of shaving the hair. 

Protect your pooch from parasites

The more you let your dog play outside during summers, the more it increases the chances of heatstroke. Moreover, your dog is also at a risk to get heartworms and Lyme disease. The ubiquitous parasites such as fleas and ticks are the hosts of other dangerous diseases which can cause flea and tick-borne diseases in your pet. So, to protect your pooch from internal and external parasites, you can provide him with the flea and tick preventives and dewormers available at BudgetPetSupplies. 

Provide Shade

Your Fido gets bored staying indoors and they might step out to play outdoors in the heat. And you need to make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight or provide them with a shady place to get out of the sun. Do not leave your pooch outside alone for a longer time and if he is there, ensure that he has a shade of trees or a dog house 

Heatstroke Symptoms

It’s not just due to the scorching heat but heatstroke can also cause in pets because of the heedlessness of pet parents. Some dogs are prone to developing heat exhaustion. And if you are do not care proper care of your dog during summer he can also suffer from a heatstroke. These are the signs of heatstroke which every pet parent should be aware of-excessive panting, excessive saliva, lethargy, rapid pulse, dark red gums & tongue, increased body temperature, unconsciousness, vomiting blood and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet immediately take him to the vet.

It is imperative for pet parents to know that heat exhaustion is an early stage of heatstroke that occurs when the dog’s normal mechanism cannot keep body temperature in the safe range. Therefore pay heed on your dog when he’s excessively panting or indicates other signs of discomfort that causes overheating and instantly take all the steps required to cool your pet down. Immediately take your pet to the vet if your pet indicates signs of heatstroke.