The ideal dog summer

Some love it, some hardly tolerate it. We are, of course, talking about summer and the hot weather that comes with it. Hot weather can become rather unpleasant for our canine companions. While cats usually tolerate heat without any major problems, dogs, on the other hand, have a hard time. What program should we plan then to make our dog as comfortable as possible and what principles should we follow?

A walk in the woods? Great idea!
If the outside temperatures are high, you should adjust your pet’s daily program accordingly. If you have the opportunity, choose places with lots of shade. The ideal walking destinations are forests and forest paths, where the temperatures are more pleasant and the trees provide shade and cooler surfaces that don’t make your canine friend’s paws hurt. Furthermore, this will be a new environment for your dog, where he will get to explore countless new places and scents. Forests and shaded paths can be found even around bigger cities, Prague being no exception. So don’t be afraid to take a small trip, you’ll see that your dog is going to appreciate it.
 
Water refreshment
A body of water near the forest is a big plus. This doesn’t have to be a large lake; a pond will suffice, where your dog can cool down for a while. For most dogs, water provides a great way to let off steam. They can swim, fetch or just stand on the shore and cool their paws. Make sure not to go overboard with the activities if your dog loves swimming or fetching. Your dog also shouldn’t enter the water completely hot, let him drink and cool down on the shore first.
 
Say no to the city
On the other hand, you should avoid cities and areas that are not sufficiently shaded. Asphalt roads, especially, tend to be very hot, which is not good for dog paws. Choose your routes wisely, and if you know that you won’t be able to escape from the city to the countryside, take your canine companion outside either early in the morning or late in the evening. After the walk, you should always check your dog’s paws, wipe them with a damp cloth, and, if necessary, use moisturising cream if the paws are dry.
 
Sea for dogs only
If you take your four-legged friend to the sea, there are places specially reserved for dogs. There, your companion can swim without any fear. Great dog beaches can be found, for example, in Croatia, as well as in other coastal countries. All you need to do is look for them. In terms of temperatures, the Polish sea coast is an ideal and dog-friendly destination. These beaches are also great for your dog to socialize, The Polish love dogs and almost always take their canine partners to the beach.  
 
When the sea is too far...
If you choose to stay inland, a small inflatable pool may come in handy. In it, your dog can always cool down and get wet at his will. If you are short on space, a simple garden hose can be a great tool to sprinkle your dog. Again, be sure not to shock the dog and cool him down gradually. 

If you don’t have either of the above options, you will be glad to hear that there are special cooling vests that help to better manage dog thermoregulation. There are also cooling pads.
 
Basic rules of care
Absolutely the most important point that must be observed in all circumstances is sufficient drinking. Even dogs can get heatstroke or sunstroke, so it is important to remember to keep them hydrated and out of direct sunlight. Never leave them in hot and closed cars, whether they could get unwell and the situation could end with serious consequences.

If your dog seems in discomfort and breathes rapidly even during the night, and paw cooling doesn’t help, it’s better to seek a veterinarian.

We wish as much carefree summer as possible to all bipeds and their four-legged buddies!

Related articles

History of search and rescue dogs

The use of dogs in search and rescue (the so-called SAR) is an integral part of natural disasters, mass accidents or, for example, when search for missing people. Do you know, when the first dog rescuers appeared?

Call of the wild? What is dog puberty like

Every dog has its individuality and is unique in its own way, so even the period of growing up can differ significantly in every individual. I know dog owners, who didn’t know what to do with puberty excesses of their otherwise loved four-legged...

Dog sled

One dog isn’t enough for you and you’re looking for an excuse that will help you vindicate having a whole pack at home? One option is to become a musher - a dog sled racer. For adrenaline lovers, who’d love to ride through the landscape on a sled using...

So cold you wouldn’t send the dog out

It’s like a rollercoaster ride with outside temperatures this winter, once you’re up and then back down. All the more attention should we pay to the care for our dogs. Since it’s not only us, people, who don’t take well to the changing temperatures.

Dog and cat insurance

Unfortunately, in the life of dog owners, even unpleasant situations occur, which aren’t only an intervention in the life of your dog partner, but also affect your wallet. For example, if the dog gets hit by a car or it is otherwise injured and the...

Facts about cat eyes

Kittens, as well as a number of other animal offspring, are born blind. Their eyes open around the tenth day of their life and only after another week, they are fully functional. Even though the sight in a cat belongs among the best-developed senses,...