Think of your dog during a tropical heat wave
None of us likes those hot summer days when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We are tired, we do not like to eat and we are sweating a lot. Now, try to imagine you are wearing a fur coat. Take a good care of your dogs and be kind to them during tropical heat waves.
The best way how to survive the summer heat is to sit in a cool place at home or by a water. If you do not have a chance to do this or you have to work daily, don't forget to provide your dog enough water for the whole day. If you're afraid one water bowl wouldn't last until you come back home, you should provide two of them.
Do not force your dog to eat
In such a hot weather even you don't like to eat a lot, so don't be surprised that your doggie won't finish his feeding bowl as usual as well. Try to give him the leftovers in the evening when temperature lowers and he may have cravings for the food again. Try to reduce fat in your dog's food and avoid to serve the food directly from the refrigerator. During the summer the dog food should have a room temperature when served.
Cool your dog down
Don't make your dog running a lot during walks, no fetching or hard playing when the sun is up. Grab your dog's life jacket and take him to the beach, for a swim in a lake or river instead. If you do not have a waterfront in your neighborhood, take the dog for a short walk only. The great idea is to go for a walk early in the morning or late at night to avoid the direct sun and also - have enough water for him with you, for example in the dog drinking bottle. If you are going to spend some time outside with your dog, don't forget to wet the dog's hair time by time to cool him down.
A few tips to ease the heat
Long haired dogs should be combed more often. Hair is an insulation layer against the cold and heat for dogs insulating only, if properly combed. If you do not have it yet, get a comb and brush for your dog and comb him on a regular basis. If you have a hairless dog or cat, a dog with light colored snout or short white hair, or if you shave your dog's hair for summer, you should consider to use a sunscreen, because even your little friend may get sunburnt. Watch out for hot sidewalks, they can be dangerous too. Use this 5-seconds rule. If you cannot hold your hand on the sidewalk for 5 secs, it is not suitable for walking for your pet either. NEVER EVER leave your dog in the car alone, not even with a window open. The car temperature may reach up to 160°F.
Pay attention to overheating carefully
Dogs can cool down only by accelerated breathing because they don't have the sweat glands. If your four-legged friend sits down often or raises his paws, dribbles a lot and is very nervous during the walk, he will most likely be overheated. He may even start to vomit and his heart will be beating loudly, the common sign is the incapacity to move. In that case the dog should be immediately wrapped up to wet towels, hydrated and taken to the vet.
Even though it seems the summer is all about rules, it is definitely not like that. We just want you to know what you should be prepared for and then you're good to go whenever and wherever you like, with your dog, for sure...
Enjoy the summer together!