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!
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