18 Tips: How to properly cool your dog in the heat
- Claudia Weise
- Updated: 30 January, 2023
Outside the heat broods and you want to cool down your dog? That's a good idea. So that you cool your dog also properly, we show you 18 helpful tips to implement immediately. So be curious.
1. take important measures in the car
If you must take your dog with you, never leave him in the car. Not even if you're thinking about spending just a few minutes in a store buying a newspaper.
Even if it is not so hot outside, the temperature in a closed car can rise to the unimaginable. So from days of 20 degrees and more caution is advised.
On a day when the temperature is 30 degrees, the temperature inside the car can reach 40 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the window slightly open. After just 30 minutes, the temperature can rise up to 50 degrees.
Therefore - if you can't leave your dog at home for various reasons, go where a dog is welcome and you can take him with you. Also a cooling vest for dogs can be very helpful for him in the heat under the sun.
2. when your dog is alone at home
Before you leave the house, please make sure the dog is comfortable and can relax. If you have a Air conditioner in the house, leave them switched on and darken the room with curtains or blinds.
If you don't have air conditioning installed, create a good strong Fan on, which circulates the air and keeps the room cool, and let air into the room through a window. Also a Cooling vest or Cooling mat for the dog will help him get through the time until you are back home.
3. training or walking in the heat
Whether it's hot or humid in the summer, you should move the walks to the cool morning or evening times.
The important thing is, to take enough water with you. Mistress or master and dog both need a lot of liquid at high temperatures.
Before you go, check the Asphalt and try to Sidewalk. If it feels too hot for your hand, it's also way too hot for your dog's paws and you should stay home if you don't have an alternative like grass to run on. Be sure to stay off the asphalt.
4. take measures in the open air
If the dog spends a lot of time outdoors by himself, offer him cool shade and much water. If he is allowed inside, do not leave him outside for too long. If the dog is not allowed inside, he should spend the day only in the shade.
Change the drinking water several times a day, a few ice cubes in the water keep it nice and cool longer. Shade from trees are more ideal for dogs than the shade of a parasol.
A bad place is the supposed shade in a doghouse, which accumulates inside. Just like in a car, the air cannot circulate and can heat up fatally.
5. high humidity
If the humidity is too high, you should stay indoors and also bring the dog indoors because he may experience respiratory distress. If the air is full of moisture, your dog may not be able to pant enough to cool down. This increases the dog's temperature, which can lead to a Heat stroke can lead.
Stay in the house with the dog and also restricts its movement. Especially vulnerable dogs need all your attention. Caution for dogs with flat nose as in the pug or bulldog. They have shorter airways which make it difficult for them to give off heat when panting.
This also applies to old and overweight dogs and also those with heart and respiratory problems. All are at risk of getting heat stroke more easily.
6. cool snacks against the summer heat
Freeze your dog's favorite treats in ice cube size to cool him down from the inside. Frozen quark balls, yogurt ice cubes, or even liverwurst are loved by most dogs. However, some foodies also like a frozen edge of bread to keep them occupied.
7. the right hair care in summer
Hair care in summer heat turns out to be burdensome for a long-haired dog. Remove all tangles and bring his coat into shape. But do not shave his coat arbitrarily. Always consult your veterinarian before taking such measures, because the coat, which protects the dog from the cold in winter, can also keep the body cool in summer.
8. protection from parasites
This is also part of the wellness program for the summer months for your dog. Visit your veterinarian even in the spring for parasites. Just when the temperatures become friendly and warm, the dog is more outdoors and in the water.
But this also applies to the parasites, which then have high season. Fleas, mosquitoes, worms, ticks and also rabies. is something you need to protect your dog from now. Administer medications or remedies regularly to keep these pests away.
9. swimming in summer with the dog
If you have a lake, flowing water, or even the ocean near your home, take your dog swimming. Take small Balls or other Swimming toys with and so the time in the water for the dog and you will not be boring.
If none of the above swimming options are available, perhaps there is a pond or stream nearby where your dog can splash around.
10. water games with the hose
If your dog doesn't mind being hosed down, this is a great way to cool him off in the summer heat.
When jerking off, always start with the feet up, just like humans. Have a water fight with your dog or let him catch water drops.
11. cool forest walk
If the forest is not far and you do not have to travel a long distance in the car, forests are a cool place for the dog to relax in the summer.
However, you should remember that the dog must remain leashed, because hunters know no fun with poaching dogs. Here also applies - always take enough water with you.
12. eat ice cream (Not every!)
If you feel like an ice cream, you may give your dog exceptionally a scoop of ice cream, best Vanilla, indulge. Just stay with him in the shade and enjoy the coolness, your dog certainly does.
You should avoid chocolate ice cream at all costs. Chocolate or theobromine poisoning is one of the poisonings with the purine alkaloid theobromine. Especially dogs, but also cats can get poisoned if they eat chocolate. This poisoning can be fatal.
Important Notice: Please note that ice cream - no matter what kind - also contains sugar and flavorings, which are actually not healthy for your dog. Therefore, you should really be very sparing here and also access this alternative only in extreme cases.
13. freeze dog toy
Get yourself a Kong, which should be made of natural rubber. Fill it with all kinds of treats for your four-legged friend and freeze it. In the summer heat, your dog can then occupy himself with this cool toy.
14. moisten your dog's fur
Just keep wetting your dog's legs and belly to give him the cooling he needs from the outside. The dog should be as possible on cool tiles or Stone floor per hour.
Less suitable is a damp base, as the moisture in the carpet pad heats up again due to its own body heat.
15. reduce chuck
As a rule, in the heat itself dogs feel more thirsty and less hungry. However, there are also dogs that never get full and are always hungry.
In general, the dog's meal should be smaller when it's hot. Instead of one large portion, you should rather (for adult dogs) make it several smaller portions. This way, his cardiovascular system will not be too stressed.
16. paddling pool & lawn sprinkler
If you have the possibility to set up a sturdy paddling pool on the balcony or a lawn sprinkler in the garden where your friend can cool off, he will be happy and glad to take advantage of the offer.
17. precautions - vacation by the sea
Test the sand on the beach with your hand before the dog steps on it. Otherwise he will get blisters.
Note that a dog that drives in a warm car to the beach or walks there in the sun feels insane thirst. The dog doesn't know that the big water in front of his eyes is salty and it doesn't agree with him.
Therefore, before you take your dog off the leash on the beach, be sure to have a large bowl of water ready for him. He should be able to drink a lot so that he does not feel like drinking seawater.
Drinking salt water doesn't necessarily make you sick, but it is guaranteed to empty your dog's stomach. He vomits after it and may not feel well. He will also swallow a little when swimming in the water, but this is not bad. Pass him enough drinking water after bathing in the sea and he will love the sea.
Also make sure, if you're not on the Mediterranean, that seas are Tides have and the dog at incoming tide not still roaming far out on the seabed. Many dog owners have been surprised by the tide and drowned trying to save the dog.
Wash your dog's coat well after a salt water bath, it will also contain a lot of sand, which itches on the dog's skin. Both together will dry out the skin and irritation may occur.
18. summer vacation on waters with fresh water
If you're vacationing on freshwater, remember that natural rivers or even lakes are dangerous currents can have.
Standing water can pose all sorts of hazards due to the heat, Parasites in the water, but also Algaewhich can be toxic for the dog if the water is contaminated with certain algae. Then immediately to the vet!
No matter what the water, a dog that can swim can still drown from inhaling water.
If you would like to keep him safe, buy a drag leash and swim with him on the leash, he won't notice. Some dogs have become accustomed to this from a young age and find it safest for their master or mistress to hold on to the leash.
This behavior can be taught to a dog when it is still small. After all, many dog owners have had to give up their own lives trying to save their dogs from drowning.
Summary
During the summer months, you can have a lot of fun outdoors with your dog. But when the temperatures rise, it's important that you take the necessary precautions to protect your pet.
Whether you're walking your dog in the city, riding with him in the car, or just playing in the backyard, the heat can be very dangerous for him. Strenuous dog sports are forbidden in any case, as they can lead to cardiovascular problems.
But you should also know the signs of overheating so you can react in an emergency. Your dog can't tell you when he is uncomfortable.
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should see a veterinarian immediately, it could be heat stroke: heavy panting, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, noticeable drooling, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, red or dark gums.
I am an editor at hundeo and when it comes to dogs, my heart beats faster. My goal is to publish the best dog guides on the web. There is a lot of passion in every article and I am happy about every feedback to constantly improve our content.
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