The heat of summer can certainly take a toll on puppies. In fact, hot weather can be deadly to our canine friends. That’s why it is important that we take precautions to ensure that our dogs are protected from the sun’s burning hot rays.
There are a few things that a dog owner should never do. One of the most important things to remember is that a puppy should never be left in a car that has closed windows. It takes only minutes for a car to heat up enough to cause heat stroke and even death. It is best to avoid taking your dog in the car during the hot daytime hours. If you have to take the dog along, provide plenty of fresh air by rolling down the windows. Park in a shaded area whenever possible. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water.
Never leave your dog unattended while tied out in the hot summertime temperatures. Confining them to a deck that has no shade or to a dog box that sits out in the open can be deadly. It is important to provide shade. Do this by planting trees. A used trampoline can work in a pinch and provide recreation as well.
There are a few things you can do to help keep Rover cool and happy during the heat of summer. One of the most important is to provide plenty of fresh water. This rule holds true whether you and the dog are at home, on a hiking trail or at the beach. It is a good idea to add ice cubes to the dog’s drinking water to keep it cool for a longer period of time.
Check your local pet store for water dish options. You can have your choice of foldable nylon ones that are easy to carry with you or models that can be frozen to keep the water cool for longer periods of time. Pick up a sturdy water bottle so that you can easily carry fresh water with you.
Cool water is important for your puppy because he or she is not able to sweat like a human. Panting is the main means of cooling a puppy’s body. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to sufficiently cool the dog.
If you plan to spend time outdoors with your puppy, find shade and conduct your activities in it. Take a walk in the woods rather than on the hot pavement in your housing development.
Avoid exercising with your puppy during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, postpone your dog’s activities until it cools off in the evening.
Puppies, despite their thick coat of hair, can be burned by the sun’s rays. If you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors with your dog, purchase some sunscreen that you can apply to areas where the hair is thinner. It is best to use a brand that is made for dogs. If you don’t have immediate access to a sunscreen that is designed for canine use, use one that is made for young children or babies. Buy ones that are made from natural products whenever possible. Never use a sunscreen that contains zinc; this can cause serious anemia in puppies.
Take your dog swimming as a means of beating the summer heat. Whether you introduce a child’s wading pool into your yard or take Fido for a trip to the lake, your dog will appreciate the chance to cool his or her paw pads.
If your puppy loves to fetch things, play the game in the water instead of in your yard. Both of you can have some fun while beating the blazing heat of summer.
Consider buying your puppy a cooling bandana. Several companies make these products and they come in different sizes. Cooling bandanas are made from cotton and polyester materials that are filled with nontoxic polymer crystals that can hold up to 30 times their weight in water. They can be refreshed with cold water whenever the need arises.
A cooling bed is another option that can work well to keep your furry friend cool. Most brands have an adjustable valve that allows you to fill the puppy’s bed with cool water that will provide hours of comfort.
Some manufacturers sell cooling jackets that utilize cool water to keep your puppy from overheating. Check at your local pet center or find them online.
Shaving your puppy’s coat is another option. However, this is one that is quite controversial. Some experts say that the dog’s coat actually works to keep the animal cool. Others claim that removing the long hairs cool the dog. If you are considering having Rover’s coat shaved, you may want to talk to the dog’s veterinarian for advice. Some breeds get more relief from shaving than others.
One advantage to having the dog’s coat cut short is that it is easier to find fleas and ticks. In addition, it is easier to detect skin problems such as hot spots.
On the other hand, shorter hair means the dog has a higher risk of being burned by the sun’s rays.
Regular brushing of your puppy’s coat is a must. One advantage is that it removes dead hair that can interfere with the natural cooling process. Regular brushing removes loose hairs that can make Fido feel miserable due to the heat.
Another advantage to shaving the dog’s hair is that the puppy’s coat will dry faster. However, this can also be considered a disadvantage because it means that the coolness provided by the wet coat will not last as long.
If you decide to clip the dog, make sure you have a good, sharp set of clippers. If you don’t have the right tools, consider making an appointment with the professionals. It’s easy to mess up the shaving process!
If you do shave your puppy, remember that you will have to provide adequate shade and plenty of water. Your dog will not have the undercoat, which some experts believe is the key to the dog’s natural cooling process.
Keep your pet by your side in hot weather. If you crave the air conditioning, chances are good that your puppy will too. A nap in the cool house will go a long way in keeping your puppy cool.
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