How To Take Care Of Our Pets In Summer
As with people, cats and dogs suffer from high temperatures. Therefore, in the following article we will tell you how to take care of our pets in summer, whether you go on vacation with them, stay in the city, or leave them in the care of someone you trust.
Beware of our pets in summer
Heatstroke doesn’t just affect humans. Dogs and cats can also suffer its consequences. When the temperature is above 30 ° C, pets are exposed to injury or illness if the owners do not take the appropriate measures.
Bushy hair, rosy skin, and, in some cases, the inability to get water or shade on your own can all contribute to severe damage.
Heatstroke can happen when your pet is in the sun for many hours. Although they may not know it, many owners who leave dogs in their cars are leading to certain dehydration and a very likely death.
The main symptoms that pets are suffering from high temperatures are:
- Loss of consciousness
- Excessive panting
- Lethargy
- Dry nose, mouth and skin
- Depression
- Soft spot
If our dog or cat suffers from thermal shock, we must urgently take him to the vet. Meanwhile, on the way we have to pour water on the stomach and the folds of the front legs (which would be like our armpits).
Some breeds of dogs are more prone to this type of problem due to heat, as is the case with short-nosed dogs (brachycephalic): bulldogs or boxers, to name two examples. The same happens in pets with very long and thick hair (Angora cats or Akita dogs).
As with people, the two groups most vulnerable to heat stroke are puppies and the elderly, because their metabolisms cannot regulate temperature well.
Tips to take care of pets in summer
In order to guarantee the well-being of dogs and cats, it is essential that in hot months we pay much more attention to them and offer them what is necessary to avoid heat stroke. To do this, follow these tips:
1. Avoid poorly ventilated places
We have already discussed the problem of leaving our dog in the car, even if it is only for a minute. It is also not good to leave them locked in a room or environment where they do not have fresh air. They don’t perspire like we do to regulate temperature, and they can’t provide their own water either.
2. Do not leave him in the sun
For nothing in the world can we tie them in a place that does not have shade (roof or tree), since in the hottest hours of midday, not only will they become dehydrated, but they will also suffer wounds and sunburn. Keep in mind that pets have very sensitive areas, such as the muzzle in dogs and the ears in cats (and the stomach in both species).
3. Provide plenty of water
It does not matter that they do not consume it in its entirety. Add an additional container to the one you are used to. Drinking water is an important measure to counteract the heat. It is essential that the liquid is clean and fresh. Change the water every day to prevent mosquitoes from proliferating.
4. Bathe him
How about a little refreshing water above the mantle every afternoon? (or when you have 5 free minutes). The baths can be essential to regulate the temperature, especially in the hottest hours. A park fountain can also be a perfect spot (if pets are allowed). The good thing is that it will dry very quickly and, when you get home, it will not get the whole room wet.
5. Be careful with their paws
Cement, sand, stones and other surfaces get very hot in summer. We don’t realize it because we wear shoes, but the dog’s pads are exposed. Hot asphalt can burn their feet. Try to avoid hot hours to go for a walk.
6. Give him less food
In hot weather, the animal may not want to eat as voraciously as in winter. Pay attention to dietary changes and intestinal problems that you may have. With the acceptance of the veterinarian, you can reduce the dose of feed, or wet it with milk and water so that it also hydrates. Take care of your pets in the summer.
